Signs That We Are Living in the End Times
The Bible provides us with many signs and prophecies regarding the end times. And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory – Luke 21:25-27. These signs are meant to guide believers and give us a clear indication of the nearness of Christ’s return. While many people may argue that it’s impossible to tell when Jesus is coming back, the Bible tells us otherwise. Much like road signs showing our proximity to a destination, scripture offers spiritual markers that reveal how close we are to the fulfillment of God’s plan.
This post will outline prophecies that have been fulfilled and signs that are yet to come, correlating them with current world events. We’ll focus on Israel, the centerpiece of biblical prophecy, as well as other signs mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. With a pre-tribulation perspective, this article will also explain how the church should live in light of these unfolding events.
Fulfilled Prophecies
The Restoration of Israel (1948):
One of the most significant prophetic fulfillments is the rebirth of Israel as a nation in 1948. Ezekiel 37 describes a vision of dry bones coming to life, representing the rebirth of the nation of Israel after centuries of exile. In one of the most remarkable events of modern history, on May 14, 1948, Israel declared its independence, fulfilling this ancient prophecy.
Israel’s reestablishment is a central marker of the end times. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:32-34 (NKJV): “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! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.”
The fig tree symbolizes Israel. The generation that witnessed the formation of Israel in 1948 is the generation that will see the coming of the Lord, making this a key indicator of how close we are to the end. This leads us into point 2.
The generation that will not pass away:
In the books of Mark, Luke and Matthew the bible mentions a generation that will not pass away. “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place” – Mark 13:30. But then we ask the question, when will this generation start and how long is a generation. Psalm 90: 10, it says that “The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” So we can argue that a generation is 70 – 80 years. Then when does this generation start, refer back to the previous section, Matthew 24: 32 – 34. This means that from 1948 + 80 years = 2028
*While signs are visible, exact dates remain unknown (as per Matthew 24:36).
Jerusalem Regained (1967):
In Luke 21:24 (NKJV), Jesus predicted that Jerusalem would be “trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” This was fulfilled during the Six-Day War in 1967 when Israel regained control over Jerusalem. This marked the end of the “times of the Gentiles” and signified another major prophetic milestone.
The miraculous events during the Six-Day War were unmistakable signs of divine intervention. Stories such as an Israeli cook in a tank holding off 88 Egyptian tanks, with enemies seeing “men dressed in white” assisting Israel, demonstrate God’s hand in preserving His chosen nation.
The Restoration of the Hebrew Language:
Zephaniah 3:9 (NKJV) says, “For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of the Lord.” Amazingly, after nearly 2,000 years, Hebrew—a language that was almost extinct—has been revived and is spoken fluently in Israel today.
The Return of Ethiopian Jews:
Isaiah 11:11 prophesied that the Lord would recover His people a second time. One miraculous fulfillment of this was when Israel airlifted 18,000 Ethiopian Jews in a single day during Operation Solomon in 1991. Some even called this event an “Exodus that eclipses the Book of Exodus.”
The Conflict over the Temple Mount:
The Bible says in Isaiah 2:2 that in the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in Jerusalem. The Temple Mount is the most hotly contested piece of real estate on earth. Though it currently holds Islamic mosques, it remains the prophesied place where the third temple will eventually be rebuilt.
Recent events such as the ritual baths around the Temple Mount filling with water for the first time in 2,000 years, and the sighting of foxes on the Mount—fulfilling Lamentations 5:18—are reminders of how central this location is to prophecy.
Moral Decline:
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, the Apostle Paul describes a period of moral decay and societal decline. He speaks of a time when people will be “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” and much more. Many interpret the increasing disregard for traditional moral values in the modern world as a reflection of this prophecy. The breakdown of family structures, acceptance of immoral behaviors, and the rise of violence and corruption are seen as signs that we are living in these difficult times.
Wars and Rumors of wars:
Mark 13:8 states “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows”. Even though wars and famine are not new, we have certainly seen a tremendous increase in recent years in all these things, earthquakes, wars, and famines. The biggest of which is the current conflict in Israel. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires seem to occur with increasing regularity, and pandemics such as COVID-19 have shaken the world. The most recent events, was the hurricanes in the US in September / October 2024.
The Global Preaching of the Gospel:
Jesus predicted in Matthew 24:14 that the gospel would be preached to all nations before the end would come. Today, with the help of technology, missionaries, and global Christian ministries, the gospel has reached nearly every corner of the globe. Through radio, television, social media, and the internet, the good news of Jesus Christ is being shared like never before, fulfilling this essential prophecy.
Increase in Knowledge and Travel:
Daniel 12:4 speaks of a time when knowledge will increase and people will travel to and from across the earth. With the rapid advancement of technology and global connectivity are seen as evidence of this prophecy’s fulfillment. From the internet to space exploration, humanity has witnessed an exponential increase in knowledge. Likewise, travel has become faster and more accessible than at any other time in history, with millions of people traveling across the globe daily.
Signs That Are Yet to Come
Global Governance and Economy:
The Bible warns of a future global government under the control of the Antichrist in Revelation 13:7-8. Discussions around globalization, digital currencies, and the formation of international alliances are often seen as laying the groundwork for such a system. While no single global government exists yet, the increasing interconnectedness of nations through politics, economy, and technology raises concerns that such governance could become a reality in the near future. I urge you to go read up on the 2030 agenda, on the surface it might look like a good thing.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030. Understanding this agenda is important because it shapes many global policies and initiatives, influencing how nations address issues like climate change, inequality, and economic development. Basically what it means is One world order, one world religion, one monetary system. You will not have freedom, they will take away everything that you have, and tell you what you are allowed to buy and not buy, they will monitor every cent that you spend. According to them, you will be poor and be happy about it.
The Rise of the Antichrist:
Daniel and Revelation speak extensively about a global leader who will rise during the end times, referred to as the Antichrist. This leader will bring temporary peace, deceive many, and ultimately oppose God. The world is moving toward globalization and political unity, setting the stage for such a figure to emerge.
The Mark of the Beast:
Revelation 13:16-17 (NKJV) warns about the Mark of the Beast, a sign required for buying and selling. As technology advances, including digital currency and biometric identification, many believe that the infrastructure for such a system is already being put in place.
The Third Temple:
2 Thessalonians 2:4 (NKJV) predicts that the Antichrist will enter the third temple in Jerusalem and declare himself God. Although the temple does not yet exist, preparations are well underway. The Temple Institute in Israel has already crafted the items needed for temple worship, and they recently acquired five unblemished red heifers from Texas, which are necessary for purification ceremonies.
The War of Gog and Magog:
Ezekiel 38-39 speaks of a massive invasion of Israel from the north by a coalition of nations led by Russia. Recent geopolitical events, including Russia’s growing influence in the Middle East, and its alliance with nations like Iran, align closely with this prophecy. In April 2024, it was also the first time that Iran went directly against Israel. The Iranian president passed away a few days later in a helicopter crash. Read these verses in Obadiah 1:3-4 and tell me if it sounds familiar: The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rock, Whose habitation is high; You who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ Though you ascend as high as the eagle, And though you set your nest among the stars, From there I will bring you down,” says the Lord.
Signs in the Heavens:
Joel 2:30-31 (NKJV) mentions signs in the heavens before the coming of the Lord, including blood moons and solar eclipses. The blood-red waters of the Dead Sea, along with several unusual eclipses in recent years, may point to these signs.
Predatory Birds Gathering:
Revelation 19:17-18 describes birds being called to eat the flesh of kings and mighty men after the Battle of Armageddon. Incredibly, Israel has witnessed the largest gathering of predatory birds in recorded history. Ornithologists are baffled by this phenomenon, which aligns with end-time prophecies regarding the cleanup after the tribulation period.
How the Church Should Live in Light of These Signs
Watchfulness and Readiness:
In light of these signs, believers are called to remain watchful and ready. Jesus warned in Matthew 24:42-44 that His return would be unexpected, like a thief in the night. The call for watchfulness is not one of fear, but of faithful living, preparing spiritually and maintaining a heart attuned to the Lord’s return. This means avoiding complacency and living each day with purpose, knowing that Christ could return at any moment.
Spreading the Gospel:
Believers also have the responsibility of continuing to spread the gospel. Matthew 24:14 makes it clear that the gospel must be preached to all nations before the end comes. Christians are called to share the message of hope, salvation, and eternal life with those who do not know Christ. In these final days, evangelism and missionary work take on an even greater urgency.
Encouraging One Another:
Lastly, Hebrews 10:25 urges believers not to forsake gathering together and to encourage one another, especially as we see the day approaching. In these challenging times, the church must remain united, offering support, love, and encouragement. The church is called to be a light in the darkness, providing hope and reminding others that, despite the difficulties of the present, Jesus has promised to return and restore all things.
It’s clear that we are living in a unique time where numerous prophecies are being fulfilled right before our eyes. The restoration of Israel, Jerusalem, and the Hebrew language, coupled with supernatural signs and global geopolitical shifts, all point to the soon return of Jesus Christ.
While we cannot predict the exact day or hour of His coming, Jesus instructed us to watch for the signs. As 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NKJV) encourages: “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”
In light of these prophecies, the church must remain steadfast, unshaken by the world, and continue laboring for the kingdom. We are part of the generation that will witness the culmination of God’s prophetic timeline, and we should be ready for His imminent return.
As we reflect on these events and prophecies, may we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in understanding the times we live in. I encourage you to spend time in prayer, asking the Lord to reveal His truth and to prepare your heart for what lies ahead. Lastly, remember that the bible reminds us around 365 times to not fear, these things must come to pass in order for us to have eternal life with Jesus, but we do not have to fear, for He is with us, He will never leave or forsake us and He will look after us.
Note: This article is written from a pre-tribulation stance, recognizing that while different perspectives exist on the timing of the rapture, the urgency to live prepared remains essential for all believers.
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