What Does the Bible Say About the End Times?
The Bible presents the end times not as a distant, disconnected event but as the culmination of God’s plan for creation. Rather than focusing on speculation or sensationalism, Scripture anchors its teaching in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The end times are not merely a countdown to catastrophe but the unfolding of Christ’s Kingdom until the day He returns in glory.
When we approach the Bible’s teaching on the end times, it becomes clear that the timeline of history is divided into two great ages: the present age, in which Christ reigns from heaven, and the age to come, which will be ushered in at His return. This understanding shapes how believers live today—faithfully, watchfully, and with hope.
1. The “Last Days” Began with Christ
Many assume that the end times are entirely in the future, but the Bible teaches that the “last days” began with Christ’s first coming. The New Testament uses the phrase “last days” to describe the entire period between His resurrection and His second coming.
Hebrews 1:1–2 declares that “in these last days” God has spoken through His Son.
Acts 2:16–17 identifies the events of Pentecost as the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy about the last days.
From this perspective, we are already living in the end times. The kingdom of God has been inaugurated, but it has not yet reached its final consummation. This means that while the ultimate restoration is still future, Christ’s reign is a present reality.
2. The Millennium as the Present Reign of Christ
In Revelation 20:1–6, the Bible describes a “thousand years” during which Satan is bound and Christ reigns. This number is best understood symbolically rather than as a literal, future calendar period. The thousand years represent the current age of the Church—the time between Christ’s first and second coming—when the gospel is advancing and the nations are being brought under Christ’s rule.
Satan’s “binding” does not mean he is powerless, but that he is restricted from preventing the spread of the gospel to the nations (cf. Matthew 12:29, Luke 10:18). The martyrs and faithful saints who have died are described as reigning with Christ now, anticipating the day when heaven and earth will be made new.
This view shifts the emphasis from waiting for Christ’s reign to begin to recognizing that His reign has already started.
3. The Reality of Present Conflict
Even though Christ reigns, the Bible is clear that evil remains active in the world during the end times. Jesus spoke of wars, rumors of wars, false prophets, and lawlessness (Matthew 24:6–12). Paul warned of increasing godlessness and deception (2 Timothy 3:1–5).
The current age is marked by both the advance of the gospel and opposition to it. The Church’s mission is to make disciples of all nations while resisting spiritual enemies. Believers are called to perseverance, knowing that suffering and conflict are part of the journey until Christ returns.
4. The Escalation of Evil Before the End
The Bible’s vision of the end times includes a final intensification of evil before Christ’s return. This is often described in terms of “the man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4) or the spirit of antichrist (1 John 2:18).
This climactic rebellion will be short-lived, as Christ will destroy His enemies “with the breath of His mouth” at His coming (2 Thessalonians 2:8). This assures believers that, despite the appearance of chaos, the end of the story is certain—Christ will win, evil will be defeated, and justice will prevail.
5. The Return of Christ and the Final Judgment
In the Bible, the return of Christ is a single, climactic event, not divided into multiple phases. When He comes, the dead will be raised, the living transformed, and all will stand before His throne for judgment (1 Corinthians 15:52; Matthew 25:31–46).
There is no separate thousand-year earthly reign following His return. Instead, His second coming ushers in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). This vision inspires both hope and urgency—hope for the redeemed and a sobering call to repentance for those who have not yet turned to Him.
6. Living Faithfully in the Present Age
Understanding the end times biblically keeps believers from either complacency or panic. The Church is called to faithful witness, holy living, and expectant hope.
Faithful Witness: Proclaiming the gospel to the nations.
Holy Living: Living in a manner that reflects Christ’s reign now.
Expectant Hope: Longing for the day when Christ will renew all things.
Because the Bible presents the present age as part of the end times, every moment matters. Our worship, service, and mission are not just preparation for the future—they are participation in the Kingdom Christ is building now.
7. The Gospel in the End Times
The message of the gospel is central to any discussion of the end times. Christ’s first coming secured salvation, and His second coming will bring it to completion. This means that the most urgent reality of the end times is not speculation about dates or signs but the call to trust in Christ today.
The Bible’s picture of the future—restored creation, perfect justice, and eternal fellowship with God—flows directly from the gospel. The same Savior who died and rose will come again to make all things new.
Conclusion: Hope Until He Comes
The Bible calls believers to live in the tension of the “already” and “not yet” of the end times. Christ reigns now, yet the fullness of His Kingdom is still to come. Evil continues, yet it is under the sovereign authority of the risen Lord. The end is not in doubt—God’s people can live with confidence, hope, and purpose, knowing that the story ends with Christ on the throne and His people in His presence forever.
Bible Verses About the End Times
Hebrews 1:1–2 – “In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.”
Acts 2:16–17 – “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
Matthew 24:14 – “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world… and then the end will come.”
Revelation 20:4 – “They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
2 Thessalonians 2:3 – “That day will not come until the rebellion occurs.”
1 Corinthians 15:52 – “The dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
Matthew 25:31–32 – “The Son of Man comes in His glory… all the nations will be gathered before Him.”
2 Peter 3:13 – “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
1 John 2:18 – “Even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.”
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning.”
