For centuries, Christians have been eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus in what’s known as the Second Coming. They often search the Bible for clues that might show when this return is near.
“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3.
As the disciples sat there listening to Jesus speak, they wanted to know three main things:
When will the destruction of Jerusalem happen?
What are the signs of The Second Coming?
What will mark the End Times?
When reading this chapter, it’s important to note that these topics are interwoven; sometimes, it is difficult to determine which event is being described. However, this difficulty is partially resolved when we realize that most prophecy is capable of both near and remote fulfillment.
Jesus goes on to say clear warning signs that help bring us the awareness that The End has begun.
While it’s essential to approach these signs with care and humility, some people suggest that recent events and changes match what the Bible predicts. Let’s look at the biblical prophecies that some people believe they have recently witnessed.
1. Global Unrest and Wars
One of the most well-known signs mentioned in the Bible is the prediction of wars and rumors of wars. In Matthew 24:6, Jesus said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”
In recent years, we have seen an increase in global conflicts and tensions, including the wars in Iraq and Ukraine, which some interpret as fulfilling this prophecy.
2. Natural Disasters
In Matthew 24:7, Jesus also mentioned famines, earthquakes, and pestilences as signs preceding His return, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”
The world has experienced an increase in natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and outbreaks of diseases in recent years, leading some to consider these events as apocalyptic.
3. Moral Decline
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, the Bible says, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
Many people say that the decline in moral values and the rise of secularism (the idea of keeping the government separate from religious organizations) we see in today’s society match what was prophesied in the Bible.
4. False Prophets and Deception
In Matthew 24:11, Jesus warned about the rise of false prophets and deceptive teachings. “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”
The spreading of incorrect beliefs and the rise of charismatic leaders who say they have special knowledge from a higher power have made some people think this prediction is coming true.
5. Globalization
The thought of a one-world government or a global system is often connected to what the Bible predicts for the end of days. Revelation 13:7 says, “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.”
As countries become more connected and work together globally, some people wonder if this might be the start of those predictions coming true.
6. Israel’s Re-establishment
Many people consider re-establishing Israel as a nation in 1948 a significant confirmation of what the Bible predicted. In the Old Testament, books like Ezekiel and Isaiah talk about the Jewish people coming back to their original homeland, and some think this is what happened in 1948.
Certain Bible scholars have linked the re-establishment of Israel to a countdown for the Second Coming of Christ. They suggest that Jesus will return before the generation alive in 1948 has all passed away. Ezekiel 36:24 says, “For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.”
7. Persecution of Christians
In Matthew 24:9, Jesus warned that His followers would face persecution. “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.”
In the Bible, Jesus has pointed out specific signs that will indicate His return. One of these signs is a rise in the mistreatment of believers. Christians have experienced increased persecution and discrimination in various parts of the world, leading some to see this as a sign of the end times.
8. The Gospel Preached Worldwide
Before the Second Coming, Jesus said the gospel would be preached to all nations. Matthew 24:14 says. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
Modern technology and global missionary efforts have made it possible to reach people in even the most remote corners of the world with the message of Christ.
9. The Love of Believers Will Grow Cold
Matthew 24:12 says, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”
As the world gets darker, the Light will shine brighter, which also means that many complacent believers will become cold in their love towards Christ.
I see two things happening at once – a huge revival in the Church and many Christians becoming complacent and lukewarm. Revival and disappointment are occurring at the same time. We see a massive surge of people mocking the supernatural, liberal pastors supporting homosexuality, and progressive Christianity embracing sin.
Another reason believers’ love is growing cold is that they are consumed with materialism, causing their hearts to be weighed down by the cares of this life.
10. Israel in the Land
“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors” Matthew 24: 32-33.
On May 14th, 1948, Israel became a nation. Now, we know that the End Times revolves around the prophesies having to do with Israel being fulfilled; However, nobody truly knows when the Last Days will be, only that they’ve begun.
The Start of The End Times
Jesus uses the tragic events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 as a picture of the conditions that will accelerate preceding His own return.
Remember that the End Times began in the book of Acts. We see this in chapters 2:16-17 when it states, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh…”
In this passage, Peter is making a reference to the prophecy by Joel years prior. This indicates that the End Times actually began in Jesus’ time with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
As time has passed, we have seen more and more of what the Bible says will happen close to the return of Jesus.