Timeline of the end times

What does the Bible say about the end times timeline? In today’s world, as chaos, natural disasters, and global conflicts intensify, it’s no wonder that people are asking this question more than ever before.

End times timeline

The Church Age (Revelation 2-3)

Jesus gives seven messages to seven churches. These are a helpful guide to us about how to be prepared for His return.

The Rapture of the Church (Revelation 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9; Matthew 24: 40-42)

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here…”

• Before this verse, the church is mentioned 18 times, and then it is not mentioned again. Theologians believe this is the time the church is raptured (taken to be with God).
• The rapture is not a guarantee just because we go to church and tell others we’re Christian. We need to be saved and have a real relationship with God.

Luke 21:3 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

The Tribulation (Revelation 6-19; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11)

• This is a seven-year period of the wrath of God being poured out on the earth.
• It starts with the rise of the Antichrist who will bring peace and unity, especially between Israel and surrounding nations. Halfway through the tribulation, things will change drastically.
• He will break the treaty with Israel and institute intense persecution against Israel and Christians.
• During this time, people will be forced to take the ‘mark of the beast’ without which they cannot buy or sell. In a vision, an angel forbids anyone to worship the beast or his statue or take the mark of the beast. This will be a test for all who have become Christians. Are they willing to endure persecution and death?

The Second Coming of Christ (Revelation 19-20)

Revelation 19:11-16 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice, he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white, and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron sceptre.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and his thigh, he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Also read: 10 interesting facts about Abraham in the Bible

• Jesus will return to the earth and will defeat and judge God’s enemies. He will rule the world for 1000 years on earth.

The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20)

Revelation 20:11-12 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

• We need to make sure our names are written in the book of life by confessing our sin and accepting that He died and rose again for us. Jesus paid for our sins, and we don’t have to pay a penalty at this judgment.

The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21-22)

Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

• We need to be ready for his coming so we can celebrate with Him at the ‘Marriage Supper of the Lamb’, a celebration of when Jesus and His church are reunited forever.

Make it Practical:

How can be ready for the end times? We can go back to Jesus’ message to the seven churches in chapters 2 & 3 and apply them to ourselves.

1. Ephesus Revelation 2:4-5

Return to your first love.

Am I loving Jesus or am I getting caught up and pulled away by my love for other things?

We move in the direction of what we treasure most. Treasure our relationship with Him. Stir up your passion and love for God.

2. Smyrna Revelation 2:10

Remain faithful.

Even if you are going through a hard time and facing persecution, remain faithful.

3. Pergamum: Revelation 2:14

Reject doctrinal extremes.

E.g. hyper grace or hyper condemnation. Jesus brought grace and truth.

4. Thyatira: Revelation 2:20

Remove impurity.

Challenge – Don’t let your theology gravitate to your behavior. We must let our behavior gravitate towards our theology. Base your theology on the Word of God.

5. Sardis: Revelation 3:2-3

Renew your purpose.

Anyone lost your purpose? We need to live with purpose, following Jesus’ example.

6. Philadelphia: Revelation 3:8

Revere (honour) the Word of God.

Make sure you are spending time with God and meditating on His Word.

7. Laodicea: Revelation 3:15-17

Repent of lukewarmness.

Don’t let your wealth blind you to your need for God and make you satisfied.

Jesus knocks on the door of our life. He will come in and save you from luke warmness.

Final word: Bible end times timeline

This is not the time to live in fear but in faith—to stand boldly as ambassadors of Christ, sharing the Good News with a world that desperately needs it. As believers, we know how the story ends: Jesus Christ triumphs, evil is defeated, and we will dwell with our Lord forever in a new heaven and new earth.

So, stay vigilant, stay prayerful, and keep your heart anchored in His promises. As Jesus Himself said, “Behold, I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:12). Let’s live ready, expectant, and filled with joy, knowing that our redemption is at hand. Amen!