In an old parable, Henny Penny is a foolish chicken. An acorn falls on her head, and she concludes that the sky must be falling, leading to her panic.
Talking about the apocalypse carries a particular tension. The Bible speaks of the end of this world and the transition to a new heaven and earth, a story of redemption where the end of time and the corruption of this world are first revealed in a catastrophic and dramatic way, and then the next world is fully realized.
Passages like Matthew 24 and the book of Revelation resemble a fantasy or science fiction novel with epic visions of creatures and animals. These dramatic scenes of what we call the “apocalypse” have led to false declarations by preachers or so-called prophets about the near future of the end times. All those dates have passed, and we can be skeptical about ideas concerning the end of time.
Jesus tells us that we will not know the day or hour of the apocalypse. At the same time, He gives us specific signs indicating that the end is near. In the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24, He lists several end-time events and refers to them as birth pains, like a woman in labor. Painful. Intense. Yet, the promise of new life at the end.
Many today look at the world around them, see the headlines, and wonder if we are living in the end times. After all, we are approaching it, but we should carefully examine Jesus’ words and see how today’s events may align with His teachings. Let’s look at seven events that will be signs of the apocalypse and the last days of the earth.
Read More : Is the war in Israel a sign of the End Times?
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1. Natural Disasters in the End Times
In Matthew 24:7-8, Jesus speaks of earthquakes, famines, and pestilences as signs preceding His return. Throughout history, many Christians have interpreted natural disasters as signs of the approaching end times and indicative of God’s judgment and the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.
In recent times, the increase in the number and intensity of natural disasters has led some to believe that these are confirmations of the apocalyptic prophecies of the Bible. For example, the rise in devastating storms, wildfires, earthquakes, and tsunamis in various parts of the world has sparked discussions about their significance in relation to the biblical apocalypse.
Hurricane Katrina, which struck the United States in 2005 causing widespread destruction and loss of life, was seen by some as a sign of God’s judgment, though it is difficult to know this for sure. Similarly, the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread devastation, raised questions about the role of natural disasters in biblical prophecies.
In 2024, several significant earthquakes have occurred globally, sparking discussions among some groups that these events are signs of the end times. Notable earthquakes this year include a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Japan causing significant damage and casualties, and a 7.4 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Hualien, Taiwan.
Additionally, the current climate crisis and related effects such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events have raised concerns about the connection to biblical apocalyptic prophecies. Many Christians interpret these environmental crises as signs of the earth’s “groaning” in anticipation of Christ’s return, as mentioned in Romans 8:22.
As natural disasters continue to occur with increasing frequency and intensity, discussions about their significance in relation to biblical prophecies are likely to continue.
2. Wars and Conflicts in the End Times
Jesus speaks of “wars and rumors of wars” as signs of the approaching end in Matthew 24:6-7. Throughout history, these violent and tumultuous periods have been viewed by many Christians as related to biblical prophecies and indicative of a time of tribulation and turmoil before Christ’s return.
In modern times, the prevalence of wars and conflicts worldwide has raised concerns about their significance in relation to biblical apocalyptic prophecies. The last century witnessed two world wars, with World War II being a truly global conflict with terrifying weapons like nuclear arms.
Recent examples of conflicts, such as the ongoing civil war in Syria, the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and the rise of terrorist groups like ISIS, have sparked discussions about their role in fulfilling biblical prophecies. The current Israel-Palestine conflict, marked by decades of violence and political strife, is viewed by many as fulfilling biblical prophecies about the restoration of Israel and Middle Eastern conflicts before Christ’s return.
Additionally, the rise of terrorism and extremist ideologies, exemplified by groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram, has led to widespread fear and uncertainty, sparking discussions about their role in biblical end-time scenarios.
3. Famine and Pestilence in the End Times
In Matthew 24:7, Jesus speaks of “famines and pestilences” as signs of the approaching end times. Over the centuries, famines and disease outbreaks have been discussed by many Christians as the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.
In modern times, the prevalence of famine and disease outbreaks worldwide has raised concerns about their significance in relation to biblical apocalyptic prophecies. Recent examples of famines, such as the food crises in Yemen, South Sudan, and parts of Africa, have led to widespread hunger and humanitarian emergencies, sparking discussions about their role in fulfilling biblical prophecies.
The world has witnessed several serious disease outbreaks in recent years. From the HIV/AIDS virus in the 1980s, SARS in 2002, H1N1 in 2009, and Ebola from 2014 to 2016, millions have died from these widespread diseases.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus, has also been seen by many as a sign of the end times. This pandemic has led to millions of deaths worldwide, strained healthcare systems, and disrupted economies and societies on a global scale. The rapid spread of the virus and its devastating impact have led some to interpret this disease as a fulfillment of biblical prophecies about pestilence and plagues before Christ’s return.
Additionally, the emergence of new infectious diseases, antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and other public health threats have raised concerns about the potential for future pandemics and their role in biblical end-time scenarios.
4. Moral Decay
The Apostle Paul speaks of moral decay as a sign of the approaching end times in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, where people will be “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, 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.”
Throughout history, Christians have looked to periods of moral decay and spiritual apostasy as potential signs before Christ’s return.
Today, examples of moral decay can be seen in various aspects of society, including the breakdown of traditional family structures, such as the increase in divorce rates, single-parent families, and declining marriage rates, which reflect a departure from biblical principles on marriage and family. Our culture has also seen a rise in liberal attitudes towards sexuality, pornography, substance abuse, and other forms of immorality, indicating a departure from biblical ethics and values.
The increasing influence of secularism and relativism has led to a rejection of absolute truth and moral absolutes, resulting in moral relativism and the acceptance of diverse lifestyles and beliefs. Disrespect for authority, the erosion of trust in institutions, and the rise of polarization and division in society contribute to moral decay and social unrest.
As moral decay continues to emerge in various aspects of society, discussions about its role in end-time narratives are likely to continue.
5. False Messengers (False Prophets in the End Times)
In Matthew 24, Jesus warns about false prophets who will arise in the last days and deceive many. Throughout the Bible, false prophets are described as individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God but promote deceptive teachings and lead people away from the truth.
In modern times, false prophets continue to exist, spreading misleading teachings and exploiting people’s spiritual vulnerabilities for personal gain. Examples of false prophets and deceptive religious movements can be seen in various contexts.
Some self-proclaimed Christian leaders promote a distorted version of the gospel that emphasizes material wealth and financial prosperity as signs of God’s favor. They often misuse the Bible to promote the idea that faithfulness to God will result in material success, exploiting vulnerable believers and perpetuating a message contrary to biblical teachings on humility, sacrifice, and stewardship.
Numerous cults and fringe religious movements have emerged throughout history, led by charismatic leaders who claim divine authority and offer exclusive access to spiritual truth. These groups often use manipulation, coercion, and isolation of their followers to maintain control and power, resulting in psychological and emotional harm. These groups have increased in the last century.
Various New Age and spiritualist movements promote eclectic beliefs and practices that combine elements of different religious traditions with mystical teachings and experiential spirituality. While some may offer insights into spirituality and personal growth, others promote deceptive ideologies and false claims of spiritual enlightenment.
6. Persecution of Believers in the End Times
Jesus warns in Matthew 24:9-10 that in the last days, believers will be persecuted and hated for their faith. Throughout the Bible, persecution is described as a sign of discipleship and a fulfillment of Jesus’ words that “in this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33).
Persecution of Christians continues worldwide. In fact, more martyrs for Christianity existed in the past century than the sum of the 1800 years before that. Examples of persecution include:
In countries with religious extremism, such as parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, Christians are often targeted for their faith. They face violence, discrimination, and oppression at the hands of extremist groups and governments hostile to Christianity. In places like North Korea, China, and Iran, governments restrict religious freedom and suppress Christian practices through arrests, surveillance, and restrictions on worship, forcing believers to practice their faith in secret and under constant threat of persecution.
Social and political intolerance towards Christianity is present in many secular societies, leading to marginalization, ridicule, and discrimination against believers. In some cases, Christians face challenges in expressing their faith openly in public and professional life, with legal and social pressures pushing against their religious convictions.
The rise of anti-Christian sentiment and hate crimes targeting believers further exacerbates persecution, creating a hostile environment for practicing faith and adhering to biblical teachings.
7. Global Evangelism
In Matthew 24:14, Jesus declares that the gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes. The spread of Christianity worldwide and efforts to reach every nation and people group with the gospel is another sign of the approaching end times.
Modern technology and communication have facilitated the global reach of the gospel through the Internet, social media, and digital platforms, allowing for the widespread dissemination of biblical teachings and evangelistic messages to remote and unreached areas. Christian missionaries and evangelistic organizations continue to work tirelessly to bring the gospel to remote and unreached regions, often facing challenges and persecution in their efforts to fulfill the Great Commission.
Globalization and international migration have brought people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds into contact with Christianity, providing opportunities for cross-cultural evangelism and discipleship. Initiatives like Bible translation projects and efforts to produce Christian literature and resources in various languages contribute to making the gospel accessible to all people groups.
The fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:14 is reflected in the ongoing efforts to share the message of salvation with the entire world, including areas where the gospel was previously unheard.
Conclusion
The signs of the apocalypse mentioned in Matthew 24 and other biblical passages provide a framework for understanding the approaching end times. Natural disasters, wars and conflicts, famines and pestilence, moral decay, false prophets, persecution of believers, and global evangelism all serve as indicators of the end times and the imminent return of Christ.
While these signs are observable throughout history, their increasing intensity and frequency in recent times have sparked discussions about their significance in relation to biblical prophecies. As believers, we are called to remain vigilant, faithful, and prepared, trusting in God’s sovereignty and looking forward to the fulfillment of His promises in the last days.
