I’m often asked about the end times. It’s usually in the form of a question, “Should we be worried?” I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this—We Win! I’ve read the end of the book, and although it can be confusing and sometimes a bit scary, we have immunity. God has made promises to His followers, and if you’ve received His salvation gift, your worries are for naught. Should we be prepared? We are expected to be good stewards of the things Christ has given to us, but even we cannot prevent everything that happens. The good news is God has determined our expiration date, and nothing we do can prolong that day, nor shorten the time here outside of suicide (even that God knows in advance.)
In our home, we are prepared in the same way we prepare for an ice storm, a fire, or losing electricity. In that way, it’s good to be prepared. If you are concerned about the rapture, there is only one way to be ready: to belong to Christ.
Below is a timeline of the end of times and the verses that support it.
1. The Rapture of the Church
Event: Believers in Christ are taken up to meet Jesus in the air.
Verse(s):
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 — “…the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive…will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord…”
- 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 — “…we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye…”
🔹 2. The Rise of the Antichrist and the Beginning of the 7-Year Tribulation
Event: A charismatic global leader emerges, bringing temporary peace.
Verse(s):
- Daniel 9:27 — “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven’…”
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 — “…the man of lawlessness is revealed…he sets himself up in God’s temple…”
- Revelation 6–18 — details the events of the tribulation.
🔹 3. The First 3.5 Years: False Peace
Event: The Antichrist rises in power, Israel experiences peace, and temple worship may resume.
Verse(s):
- Daniel 9:27a — “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven’…”
- Revelation 6:1–2 — The rider on the white horse (often seen as the Antichrist) brings conquest and false peace.
🔹 4. Mid-Tribulation: The Abomination of Desolation
Event: The Antichrist breaks the covenant and desecrates the Jewish temple.
Verse(s):
- Daniel 9:27b — “…in the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering…”
- Matthew 24:15–16 — “…when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation’…then let those who are in Judea flee…”
🔹 5. The Last 3.5 Years: The Great Tribulation
Event: Intense persecution and God’s judgment are poured out.
Verse(s):
- Revelation 13 — The Antichrist rules, forces worship, and issues the mark of the beast.
- Matthew 24:21 — “For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world…”
- Revelation 16 — The seven bowl judgments.
🔹 6. The Battle of Armageddon
Event: The nations gather against Jerusalem, but Jesus returns to defeat them.
Verse(s):
- Revelation 16:16 — “Then they gathered the kings together to the place…Armageddon.”
- Revelation 19:11–21 — Jesus returns as the victorious King.
🔹 7. The Second Coming of Christ
Event: Jesus returns bodily to earth with the saints to judge and rule.
Verse(s):
- Revelation 19:11–16 — “…heaven was opened and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True…”
- Zechariah 14:4 — “On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives…”
🔹 8. The Binding of Satan and the 1,000-Year Reign (Millennium)
Event: Satan is bound, and Christ reigns on earth for 1,000 years.
Verse(s):
- Revelation 20:1–6 — “They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years…”
🔹 9. Final Rebellion and Defeat of Satan
Event: After the millennium, Satan is released, deceives nations, but is defeated.
Verse(s):
- Revelation 20:7–10 — “…Satan will be released…but fire came down from heaven and devoured them.”
🔹 10. The Great White Throne Judgment
Event: The final judgment of the dead who rejected Christ.
Verse(s):
- Revelation 20:11–15 — “…each person was judged according to what they had done…anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
🔹 11. The New Heaven and New Earth
Event: God creates a perfect eternal dwelling place for His people.
Verse(s):
- Revelation 21:1–4 — “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth…He will wipe every tear from their eyes…”
- 2 Peter 3:13 — “…we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
Summary Timeline (Futurist View):
- Rapture of the Church – 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
- 7-Year Tribulation Begins – Daniel 9:27
- Antichrist rises / Global Peace (3.5 years) – Revelation 6
- Abomination of Desolation (Midpoint) – Matthew 24:15
- Great Tribulation (Final 3.5 years) – Revelation 13
- Battle of Armageddon – Revelation 16:16
- Second Coming of Christ – Revelation 19
- Millennial Reign of Christ (1,000 years) – Revelation 20
- Final Rebellion / Satan Defeated – Revelation 20:7–10
- Great White Throne Judgment – Revelation 20:11–15
- New Heaven and Earth – Revelation 21–22
What can we do to survive turbulent times?
Christians can survive turbulent times by anchoring themselves in God’s truth, promises, and presence. Turbulence, whether emotional, physical, financial, or spiritual, is a part of life, but Scripture equips believers with the hope, strength, and peace needed to endure and overcome. Here are key ways to survive turbulent times, with supporting Bible verses:
1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Even when life feels out of control, God is still on the throne.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV):
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” - Isaiah 46:10 (NIV):
“I make known the end from the beginning… My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”
2. Find Peace in God’s Presence
Peace doesn’t come from circumstances, but from God being with you in the storm.
- Isaiah 26:3 (NIV):
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” - John 14:27 (NIV):
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
3. Stand on God’s Promises
God’s Word is an anchor when everything else feels uncertain. (Know your Bible)
- 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV):
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” - Romans 8:28 (NIV):
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
4. Strengthen Yourself in the Lord
When you’re weary, turn to God for renewed strength.
- Isaiah 40:31 (NIV):
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…” - Psalm 18:2 (NIV):
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge…”
5. Keep Praying and Praising
Prayer and praise invite God’s power and peace into your situation.
- Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV):
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…” - Psalm 34:1 (NIV):
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
6. Remember This Is Temporary
Our trials are real, but they are not forever. The Sun will still come up tomorrow, and what we see as failure is frequently a lesson that builds the strength and skills you need for the next ‘thing’ He is taking you to.
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV):
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all…” - Revelation 21:4 (NIV):
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…”
7. Stay in Fellowship
You don’t have to face trials alone. God uses the Body of Christ to strengthen one another.
- Galatians 6:2 (NIV):
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” - Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV):
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on… not giving up meeting together…”
I hope this helps! What are your thoughts or questions?
