Understanding the sequence of events in the end times is a subject that has fascinated and challenged Christians throughout history. While interpretations vary, this guide aims to present a thorough overview based on a Pre-Tribulational timeline, which holds that the Church will be raptured before the Tribulation period begins. This perspective is rooted in Scripture and provides a detailed chronological order of the end-time events as described in the Bible.
The Last Days: A Present Reality
To begin, it’s important to recognize that the New Testament teaches we have been in the “last days” since Jesus’ ascension. Hebrews 1:2 states, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.” This understanding sets the stage for the events leading to the culmination of history. While we have been in the last days for over two millennia, there are specific signs and events that signal the final phase before Christ’s return.
The Rapture of the Church
The doctrine of the Rapture is a cornerstone of Pre-Tribulational eschatology. The Rapture refers to the event when Christ will call His Church out of the world to meet Him in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes this event: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Jesus also alluded to this in John 14:2-3, where He said, “I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” The concept of being “caught up” aligns with the Old Testament example of Enoch, who was taken up without seeing death (Genesis 5:24), and Elijah, who was carried to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11).
The Pre-Tribulational view asserts that the Rapture occurs before the Tribulation period, sparing the Church from God’s wrath. Revelation 3:10 supports this: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world.”
The Tribulation Period
The Tribulation is a seven-year period during which God’s judgment is poured out on the earth. This time is divided into two three-and-a-half-year periods and is often referred to as “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7) and described extensively in Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27).
- The Seven Seals: Revelation 6 introduces the opening of the seven seals by Jesus, the Lamb of God. Each seal brings a specific judgment:
- First Seal: The rider on a white horse (conquest).
- Second Seal: The rider on a red horse (war).
- Third Seal: The rider on a black horse (famine).
- Fourth Seal: The rider on a pale horse (death).
- Fifth Seal: The martyrdom of the saints.
- Sixth Seal: Cosmic disturbances.
- Seventh Seal: Silence in heaven, leading to the introduction of the seven trumpet judgments.
- The Seven Trumpets: These judgments escalate the severity of God’s wrath (Revelation 8-11):
- First Trumpet: Hail and fire mixed with blood, burning a third of the earth.
- Second Trumpet: A mountain-like burning object falls into the sea, turning a third of it to blood.
- Third Trumpet: A star called Wormwood falls, poisoning a third of the waters.
- Fourth Trumpet: A third of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened.
- Fifth Trumpet: A Locust of scorpion creatures torment those without the seal of God.
- Sixth Trumpet: The release of four angels who kill a third of mankind.
- Seventh Trumpet: Announcement of Christ’s impending reign and the introduction of the bowl judgments.
- The Seven Bowls: These are the final and most severe judgments (Revelation 16):
- First Bowl: Painful sores on those with the mark of the beast.
- Second Bowl: The sea turns to blood, killing all sea life.
- Third Bowl: Rivers and springs turn to blood.
- Fourth Bowl: The sun scorches people with intense heat.
- Fifth Bowl: Darkness over the beast’s kingdom.
- Sixth Bowl: The Euphrates River dries up, preparing the way for the kings of the east.
- Seventh Bowl: A great earthquake and hailstones, signaling the end of God’s wrath.
The Abomination of Desolation and the Mark of the Beast
Midway through the Tribulation, the “abomination of desolation” occurs, as foretold by Daniel (Daniel 9:27) and mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 24:15. The Antichrist will desecrate the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, an act that marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation—the final three and a half years of intense judgment.
Revelation 13 details the rise of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, who will institute the “mark of the beast”, a mark without which no one can buy or sell (Revelation 13:16-17). This period will be marked by severe persecution of those who refuse the mark and choose to follow Christ.
The Battle of Armageddon
As the Tribulation period comes to an end, the nations gather for war against Israel in a final conflict known as the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16; 19:19-21). This battle will culminate with the return of Jesus Christ, who will defeat the Antichrist and his forces with the “sword that proceeds from His mouth” (Revelation 19:15).
The Millennial Kingdom
Following Christ’s victory at Armageddon, He will establish His Millennial Kingdom—a 1,000-year reign of peace and righteousness (Revelation 20:1-6). During this time, Satan will be bound and cast into the abyss, preventing him from deceiving the nations. Jesus’ reign will fulfill Old Testament prophecies of a Messianic kingdom (Isaiah 9:7; Zechariah 14:9).
Who Lives in the Millennial Kingdom?
Those who survived the Tribulation without taking the mark of the beast will enter the Millennial Kingdom in their mortal bodies. The saints—those who were raptured or martyred for their faith—will reign with Christ as priests and rulers (Revelation 20:6). This suggests that while the initial inhabitants of the kingdom are righteous, subsequent generations will have the choice to follow or reject Christ, evidenced by the final rebellion.
The Final Rebellion and Satan’s Defeat
At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released from his prison and will deceive the nations once more (Revelation 20:7-10). This will lead to a final battle in which Satan and his followers will be defeated and cast into the lake of fire, where the beast and the False Prophet are (Revelation 20:10).
The Great White Throne Judgment
The Great White Throne Judgment follows the final rebellion (Revelation 20:11-15). Here, all the unsaved dead will be resurrected and judged according to their works. Those not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death. This judgment is reserved for the wicked, the Beast and the False Prophet.
The New Heaven and New Earth
After the final judgment, God will create a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). This fulfills the promise found in Isaiah 65:17: “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.” In this renewed creation, there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain (Revelation 21:4). The New Jerusalem, described as a magnificent city, will descend from heaven, and God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:2-3).
The Bema Seat Judgment and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Believers will not face the Great White Throne Judgment but will appear before the Bema Seat of Christ to receive rewards for their deeds done in faith (2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgment is not about salvation but about rewards for faithful service.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9) will be a celebration of the union between Christ and His Church, symbolizing the joy and fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
The Literal Nature of Revelation
While some interpret Revelation allegorically, the Pre-Tribulational view holds that much of what is described should be taken literally. The judgments, the rise of the Antichrist, the mark of the beast, and the Millennial Kingdom are all events that will occur as described, though some imagery (e.g., the dragon representing Satan) is symbolic of real entities and events.
My Final Thoughts
The end times, as outlined in Scripture, provide a powerful narrative of God’s judgment, mercy, and ultimate victory. We are currently living in the last days, awaiting the Rapture that will usher in a series of divine events culminating in the eternal reign of Christ. Understanding this timeline equips believers to remain steadfast, sharing the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ and eagerly anticipating His return.
