Preserving Sound Doctrine

Searching Questions About the End Times!

If one is interested in pondering the theological constructs of the End Times, there are several vital questions worthy of consideration. These questions could include:

• Why should we even concern ourselves with the End Times?
• What is meant by the phrase, the End Times?
• How and where are the End Times described in the Bible?
• Are we now living in the End Times?

In light of my desire to provide ample coverage of this important and enticing topic, each of the above questions will be presented in sequential order and supported by the abundant teaching of Scripture.

Why Should we Even Concern Ourselves with the End Times?

In his insightful and thought-provoking book, The Future Life, René Pasche, renowned Theologian and Bible Scholar, offered this response: “If we are to live forever in this world, it would be insane to neglect the revelations and the warnings of the Scripture on that subject…The hereafter is presented as man’s chief concern. Since the ‘here’ determines the ‘after,’ the reader is forced to decide about his relationship to God. Here are potent studies of future events and their significance for men and women today.” ¹

In stark contrast to Pashe’s impassioned response towards the subject of one’s future life, when asked the question, Are we living in the End Times?, the web engine, Google, offered the following AI generated response: “Throughout history, people have wondered if their era was the End Times. During wars, plagues, or significant social change, it’s common for such speculation to arise. In the current age, global events like climate change, pandemics, political turmoil, and technological shifts have renewed interest in this question. However, there is no definitive evidence or universally accepted sign that confirms we are in the End Times…Many theologians and scholars encourage focusing on the present and living ethically, rather than worrying about apocalyptic predictions.” ²   

If someone chooses to accept Google’s thesis, there is no need to continue with this article. And yet, wise as Artificial Intelligence may promote itself to be, the true wisdom of God is found in the Holy Scriptures which provide a far different and engaging perspective. There is a strong rationale given in the Bible as to why this topic is a worthy endeavor. The very words of Jesus Christ and the Apostles speak straight to this point and have been written down for the benefit of the early church as well as for the church today.

Admonitions and Warnings Regarding the End Times

As Jesus Christ brought his ministry and time with his 12 disciples to a close, he was very intentional about giving them crucial answers to their questions about his departure and the coming times ahead. “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come…So, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants…It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” Matthew 24:42, 44-46 NIV

In similar fashion and intensity, the Apostle Paul wrote, “In the later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits…Until I come, devote yourself to…Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim. 4:1,13-16). In his last letter to Timothy he warned, “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…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…But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because…you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 14-15

The Apostle Peter, a key leader in the early church, gave this admonition and reminder to Christians scattered around Galatia (today modern Turkey), “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires…The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief…You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” 2 Peter 3:3, 9-11

These Scriptural admonitions alone should be reason enough for us to be amply motivated to understand its importance and the need for both learning and sharing the truths connected to the End Times as well as the implications for our lives today.

Wayne Grudem, in his excellent book, Systematic Theology – An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, extends additional reasons and benefits for studying this pertinent subject. “It is worth our time to study these questions in more detail, both because we may gain further insights into the nature of the events that God has planned and promised for us, and because there is hope that greater unity will come about in the church when we agree to examine these issues again in more detail and to engage in discussion about them.” ³

The author of Hebrews offers some very practical and eternal reasons why it behooves us to consider the truths and the promises related to the End Times. He wrote, “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized…imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised…Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:11-12, 16-19

What is Meant by the Phrase, the End Times?

The official theological term for the End Times is Eschatology. It is taken from the Greek word eschatos which means “last.” Appropriately, Eschatology then simply means the study of “the last things.” End Times is often addressed in Scripture and shared by a variety of sources including the Old Testament Prophets, the New Testament Apostles, and most importantly by Jesus Christ. He rightly identified himself as, “The Alpha and the Omega, The First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 22:13). Therefore, it makes sense to recognize that any discussion about the End Times must involve Jesus and the events connected to his return. For Christ is both the one who created time and, is himself, outside of time. “The Son is the image of the invisible God…over all creation. For, in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17)

Wayne Grudem provides this explanation: “Although we cannot know everything about the future, God knows everything…and he has in Scripture told us about the major events yet to come in the history of the universe. About these events occurring we can have absolute confidence because God is never wrong and never lies…events that will affect the entire universe…The study of these events is sometimes called ‘general eschatology.”

On a personal note, I came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior in July,1969, during my late teens. It was at the pinnacle of the Jesus Revolution when many youth were turning to faith in Christ. We had become dissatisfied and disappointed with the false promises of freedom through drugs and “free” love. Sexually transmitted diseases were rampant, and drug overdoses were far too common. Musical icons like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and others were gone. Instead of a “Purple Haze” a black haze of death and uncertainty descended upon our generation. The time was ripe for seeking truth, freedom, joy and hope. Fortuitously, we were discovering that each are available in Christ.

Jesus Christ said, “The truth will set you free, and you will be free indeed” (John 8:32). He also promised, “I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest” (John 10:10 CEB). Jesus’ unpredictable disciple, Peter, wrote the following encouraging words after Christ’s resurrection and his own restored relationship with the Lord, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” Peter 1:3-4

Greg Laurie, Pastor, author and personal benefactor of The Jesus Revolution described this time as follows: “The Jesus Revolution, or the Jesus movement…swelled among young people – the baby boomer generation – in the late 1960’s into the early 1970’s. It was the largest public movement of the Holy Spirit in the United states since the celebrated revivals of the nineteenth century…More people were baptized during the Jesus Revolution than in any time since people started keeping records…Only God knows how many lives the Holy Spirit touched and transformed during that time…In the first wave…the converts were mostly hippies who’d been searching for love, spiritual enlightenment, and freedom, and hadn’t found it in sex, drugs, and rock and roll.” ⁴

The early 1970’s issued in both an exciting and somewhat confusing time to be a new convert and follower of Christ. Certainly, there was an air of excitement and expectation that Christ was real and he was coming back for his own. However, there was also a great deal of uncertainty and a number of variant views as to when Christ would actually return. Popular speaker and author, Hal Lindsay, in his widely read book, The Late Great Planet Earth,⁵ predicted with the utmost conviction that Jesus Christ would definitely return by 1988. He believed this to be true, because that year marked exactly 40 years after Israel had been restored and, once again, recognized worldwide as a nation. Lindsay was adamant that Jesus would return within the following 40 years since it’s the period of time most commonly associated by Jews as the expected length of a familial “generation.” Lindasy then correlated this view with the words of Jesus given to the disciples when they asked, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” After listing a number of Messianic signs and events, Jesus replied, “Even so, when you see all these things, you will know that it is near…Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened” (Matt. 24:3, 33-34). Of course, such a prediction only fanned the flames of anticipation for all of us “Jesus Freaks” who were more than willing to be persuaded that Christ’s return was just around the corner!

One can notice that over the years, there have been many who have tried to predict when the End Times would actually occur, often without having a clear understanding of what the Bible teaches about the End Times. The next two questions will seek to address this apparent oversight.

How and Where are the End Times Described in the Bible?

There is a variety of eschatological terms and phrases found in Scripture which have similar themes related to End Times. These terms and phrases are listed in biblical order and taken from the NIV translation:

• “The day” of judgment (Ezekiel 39:8)
• “The time of the end” (Daniel 12:4)
• “The last days” (Micah 4:1)
• “The end of the age” (Matthew 24:3, 14)
• “In later times” (1 Timothy 4:1)
• “In the last days” (2 Timothy 3:1)
• “In the last times” (Jude 18)

There are also a significant number of biblical events associated with eschatological themes. It is not in the scope of this article to give a treatise or lengthy explanation about each of these events. However, giving a basic definition and providing related scriptures for each event, as noted in the chart below, seems appropriate to aid in one’s general understanding. I would encourage anyone desiring to know more about these events to do further research using a book on Systematic Theology (such as Grudem’s) and/or utilize a reputable Encyclopedia of the Bible (such as Zondervan’s), which states, “The end of the world refers to “the miraculous and catastrophic events that will close history and open the eternal age.” ⁵  

The following list of biblical events are combined with a brief explanation and Scriptural cross-references:

*Additional phrases and references include: “The day of the Lord” (1 Thes. 5:2, 2 Thes. 2:3; 2 Peter 3:10) and “the day of God” (2 Peter 3:12)

When Will the End Times Happen?

Although Jesus spoke to the disciples about a number of signs connected to the End Times, he also made it very clear that no one, not even himself, knew the exact time of the “coming of the Lord.” He said, “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens…Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door…But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Mark 13:26-27, 29, 32-33

A Common Expectation

Although the specifics of Christ’s return is not disclosed and cannot be determined, what can be easily noted throughout Scripture is a predominant expectation that the Lord’s return is imminent and could occur at any time. It seems that the authors of Scripture, under the leading of the Spirit of God, intentionally sought to create this sense of anticipation in God’s people so that they would be more motivated to live in a way that pleases God and is reflective of their faith and expectant hope. Fittingly, Jesus admonished his disciples, “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back…if he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!” Mark 13:35-37

Below are additional examples of this tone of urgency and anticipation:

Spoken by The Old Testament Prophets:

• Job 32:22 – “My maker would soon take me away.”
• David – “You are near, Lord” (Psalm 119:151)
• Joel – “For the day of the LORD is near; it will come…from the Almighty” (1:15)
• Obadiah – “The day of the LORD is near for all nations” (1:15)
• Zephaniah – “The great day of the LORD is near – near and coming quickly.” (1:14)
• Malachi – “Suddenly the LORD you are seeking will come.” (3:1)

Spoken by Jesus Christ:

• “Repent, for the kingdom of God is near.” (Matthew 3:2)
• And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come…Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.” (Matt. 24:14, 33)
• “Look, I am coming soon…Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:12, 22)

Spoken by The New Testament Apostles:

• Paul – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Rom. 16:20) and “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:5)
• James – “The Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:8)
• Peter – “The end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7)
• John – “The time is near” (Revelation 1:3; 22:10 and v.16, “The things that must soon take place”)

A Present Anticipation

The intentionality and anticipation of the Lord’s future return is both understandable and appropriate given the desire for followers of Christ to believe in the coming return of their long-awaited Messiah and Lord. Peter spoke repeatedly of our reasonable anticipation. He inclined, “The day of the Lord will come…look forward to the day of God and speed its coming…in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth…So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this…Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience is salvation.” 2 Peter 3:10-15

Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins give a hearty endorsement to Peter’s admonition. They declare, “When you examine all the signs of the times that have been fulfilled in our lifetime, you have to believe the coming of Christ is very near. As Jesus said, ‘Near, even at the doors.’ This generation does indeed have more solid reason to believe Christ could come in our lifetime than any before us. Yes, we could indeed be living in the end times!”

The Greek word Maranatha can literally be translated “Lord, come quickly.” In the Apostle John’s closing chapter, he included these words about Jesus, “Yes, I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20). Indeed, it is perfectly normal for Christians today to be excited about, and looking forward to, Christ’s earthly return and the establishment of his Kingdom on Earth. It will be a precursor of our transitioning from time to Eternity. However, one last important question remains for both believers and unbelievers.

Are we Now Living in the End Times?

To answer that question, we must consider the multiple signs that Jesus declared would accompany his return and set off the many apocalyptic events mentioned above. Jesus gave specific signs that his disciples should be aware of in preparation for the end times. These ominous signs were revealed during one of the last days he had together with his disciples as he awaited his final passover celebration in Jerusalem. His long discourse is described below:

“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. You must be on your guard…And the gospel must first be preached to all nations…I have told you everything ahead of time…At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory…Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.” Mark 13:3-10, 26-29

If the signs that Jesus shared over 2,000 years ago seem eerily familiar and compatible to what is presently happening, you definitely are not alone in your observation. Personally, I am convinced that these signs that are regular occurrences today serve as an indication that we are, indeed, living during the period of time which will experience Christ’s return. If it is not my generation, I have no doubt that it will be my kids or grandkids generation.

Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins posed this same question in their book titled, Are We Living in the END TIMES? It is ironic that the book written back in 1999, has the subtitle, Current Events Foretold in Scripture – And What They Mean. The authors make this bold statement: “We believe we are on the verge of obtaining even greater prophetic insights than any other time in the last two millennia…Christ could come today, and no prophecy of the times necessary for his coming would go unfulfilled. Of course, we cannot guarantee that Christ will come in our generation…But we insist that we have more reason than any generation before us to believe he will come in our generation.”

As previously noted, down through the ages, the question of Christ’s earthly return is one that believers and unbelievers alike have often wrestled with and debated. There has always existed, among the serious seeker and Bible student, a strong belief that the return of Jesus Christ and the subsequent end of the world, could happen at any time. As Jesus Christ had indicated to his disciples and followers, we are called to, “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come…So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matt. 24:42-44). “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Matt. 25:13

However, having a longing for Christ’s return does not give anyone license to make unfounded assumptions about specific dates or details which even Scripture doesn’t elaborate upon. Jesus made it very clear that while it is perfectly suitable to expectantly look for his return, it is not in our preview to make specific predictions about it. Grudem is even more blunt in his remarks towards those who attempt to do so. “Jesus is telling us that we cannot know when he is coming back. Since he will come at an unexpected time, we should be ready at all times for him to return. The practical result is that anyone who claims to know specifically when Jesus is coming back is automatically to be considered wrong…Moreover, they are simply disobeying the teachings of Scripture.”

Hopefully, the time spent discussing Bible passages and instruction related to the End Times has created in you a greater desire and yearning for our Lord’s imminent and glorious return and our rightful response to this reality. We all should bear in mind the question posed by the title of Francis Schaeffer’s book, How Then Should we Live? The Apostle Peter answered the question forthrightly while also being emphatic about this truth, “The day of the Lord will come…in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming…So then, dear friends…make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” 2 Peter 3:10-14

As we look forward to the coming return of Christ, may we recall the words of Jesus, the Old and New Testament prophets and the Holy Spirit who brings all these truths to mind (John 14:26). I will finish with an apropos quote from Dr. John Walvoord, a well-respected biblical prophecy scholar. He states, “I have been studying prophecy for many years (over fifty), and while I do not believe it is possible to set dates for the Lord’s return, I do sense in the world today and unprecedented time of world crisis that can be interpreted as being preparatory for the coming of the Lord. If there ever was a time when Christians should live every day as though Christ could come at any time, it is today.”

Bibliography of Notations in the order Presented

1. The Future Life (2018). Renee Pasche, Wipf & Stock Publishers

2. What are the End Times? (May 21, 2026). Google AI generated response

3. Systematic Theology – An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine,

4. The Jesus Revolution (2018). Greg Laurie, Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI

5. The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary (1976). Editor: Merrill Tenny, Zondervan

6. The Late Great Planet Earth (1973). Hal Lindsay, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI

7. Are We in the END TIMES? (1999). Tim LaHaye, Jerry Jenkins, Tyndale, Wheaton, IL