What are the signs of the end times?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament contains various prophecies and signs that are often interpreted as pointing toward the end times. While these signs are not as detailed or as directly connected to Christ’s return as in the New Testament, they provide a foundation for understanding God's plan for the future. Isaiah 11:11-12 and Ezekiel 36:24 foretell the regathering of the Jewish people to their homeland in the last days. This has been partially fulfilled in the modern state of Israel, with more to come in the future.
• Daniel 11:32 speaks of a time of widespread apostasy and the rise of false teachings, a theme also echoed in Zechariah 13:2 and Isaiah 24:5, which warn of moral decay and a disregard for God’s law in the last days.
• Isaiah 9:6-7 and Zechariah 14:9 describe the coming of a King (the Messiah) who will establish His righteous rule on earth. This is seen as part of the culmination of God’s redemptive plan in the end times.
• Ezekiel 38-39 describes a future conflict in the land of Israel, often interpreted as the Battle of Gog and Magog, where God will intervene to defeat the enemies of Israel in the last days.
• Joel 2:28-32 speaks of God pouring out His Spirit on all people in the last days, an event partially fulfilled at Pentecost in Acts 2 but with a future, greater fulfillment.
• Isaiah 13:9-13 and Zephaniah 1:14-18 describe cataclysmic events and natural disasters that will mark the end of this age, emphasizing the day of the Lord as a time of judgment.

from the new testament

• The early church eagerly awaited Christ's return (Matthew 24:33; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 3:20-21).
• Matthew 24:5-7 records a few signs of the end times to look for: "For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places."
• The section concludes with the warning that these signs are merely the "beginning of the birth pains" (Matthew 24:8).
• In Matthew 24:36, Jesus says, "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." Although signs of the coming tribulation may occur before the rapture (like the re-establishment of Israel), there is nothing that must occur before the rapture.
• Although we are told the signs, we do not know exactly when the tribulation will occur. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 explains that the day of the Lord will come "like a thief in the night. … as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman."
• James said to be patient and to strengthen our hearts because "the coming of the Lord is at hand" (James 5:8). We are to live in light of the promise of Christ’s return.

implications for today

The warning signs or birth pains of the end times have occurred for millennia. Earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes have repeatedly struck our world since long before we had the technology to record them. Wars and rumors of wars have persisted. While these wars and natural disasters do not indicate the arrival of the end times, there are indications we can look for. For example, the re-establishment of Israel is a powerful sign and one that few before the 1940s could have imagined. It was a major first step in fulfilling God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 17:8) and the prophecy that in the end times, the temple will be rebuilt (Daniel 12:11). If a national leader from the West were to rise to power and take over three other countries, it could possibly be the "little horn" of Daniel 7:8 which is believed to be the Antichrist. The Bible also gives spiritual signs to look for. Paul explained in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3 that the last days will be difficult because of the evil that people will cling to. And 1 Timothy 4:1 says, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons." We are to know the truth and signs of the end times so we are not deceived.

We are also called to know the signs of the end times so we can prepare and be encouraged that God has a good plan for humanity. The signs will be fulfilled, and His plan will come to pass exactly as He has foreordained it for His perfect purpose and good pleasure. Isaiah 46:10 says, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please'" ( NIV). As we wait for Christ’s return, we are called to do the work before us (1 Peter 4:7), reflecting God and making Him known. We should know the Lord and what He says about His return, letting the prophecies both exhort (Matthew 25:1-30) and encourage us (Matthew 24:22). God's promises are sure, and His return is certain. Let this hope inspire us to live with purpose, knowing that every moment brings us closer to the fulfillment of His perfect plan.