What do I need to know about surviving the end times?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Surviving the end times isn’t about preparing for physical disasters but about being spiritually ready to meet Jesus Christ. Believers do not have to fear the end times because they know what the end will bring. We believe that believers will be raptured before the end times, since we are not prepared for wrath. Even if we are not raptured prior to the events of the end times, though, we have assurance that our eternal destiny is secure and that God is with us, no matter what we face. The Bible tells us that knowing what is coming in the end should encourage us and fill us with hope, knowing salvation through Jesus is the key to eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:18; John 3:16). While we wait for these end times, we are called to live holy lives, serve others, and stay grounded in the truth of God’s Word (2 Peter 3:11-12; Matthew 24:4-5). Even today, trials and suffering are inevitable, but they should drive us to persevere, knowing our eternal reward is far greater than any earthly hardship (James 1:2-4).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament offers several insights into surviving the end times, often pointing to faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God (Zephaniah 2:3).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When people consider the end times, they’re often fearful of the future. However, the apostle Paul wrote to believers about the rapture, saying, "Encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). For the believer, the end times are something to anticipate, not to fear.
• To survive the end times, the key is to trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). We can know for certain we will have eternal life with Christ (1 John 5:13). When the rapture occurs, an event that can take place at any moment, we will be with Him and other believers safe from the end-time judgments of the tribulation.
• Another way to prepare for the end times is to faithfully live for God each moment of each day. Second Peter 3:11-12 teaches, "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!"
• Serving others is another way to prepare for Christ's return... We must share the gospel and help those in need. Second Corinthians 5:10 notes, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." The next life will include judgment as well as rewards. Our goal should be to honor God and help others.
• We also prepare by remaining steadfast in the truth of God. Jesus warned believers not to be led astray: "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray" (Matthew 24:4-5). By growing in our faith through God's Word, we become prepared to spot false teachers who claim to be the Christ.
• We can expect times of suffering and persecution. Christians in the New Testament did, and so will we.. We should anticipate suffering and endure it faithfully, knowing our reward in heaven will far exceed the troubles of this life (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 3:12; James 1:2-4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

When people think about surviving the end times, their minds often jump to images of catastrophic events, zombies, or apocalyptic chaos. People stockpile and prepare for every possible scenario, trying to control what they can in the face of the unknown. Yes, there will be disaster and catastrophic events, but it is not how Hollywood portrays it. The key to truly surviving the end times is not about preparation for physical disasters but about being spiritually prepared to meet Jesus. Knowing Jesus Christ and trusting in Him alone for salvation is the only way to face the end times with peace and assurance (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). As we live each day in obedience to God, faithfully serving others, and growing in our understanding of His Word, we are actively preparing for Christ's return (2 Peter 3:11-12; Matthew 24:4-5). The reality of suffering and trials should not deter us but encourage us to persevere, knowing that our eternal reward will far outweigh any hardship (James 1:2-4). The end times are not something to fear but an opportunity to live in a way that honors God and reflects our hope in Him.

UNDERSTAND

• Surviving the end times is not about physical preparation.
• Surviving the end times is about spiritual readiness through salvation in Jesus Christ.
• We can be prepared for the end times by living faithfully for God and remaining steadfast in truth.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that spiritual preparation, rather than physical survival tactics, is the key to enduring the end times shape how you live today?
• How are you actively growing in your relationship with Jesus to ensure you're spiritually prepared for the end times?
• How do you respond to the idea of suffering and persecution as part of the Christian walk, and how can that perspective change your daily choices?

ENGAGE

• How do we encourage others to trust in Christ for their salvation, especially in light of the challenges and fears surrounding the end times?
• What are some practical ways we can live in holiness and godliness while awaiting Christ's return?
• How can we stay grounded in God's truth to avoid being led astray by false teachings?