15 end times signs according to the teaching of Jesus

The recent news of the lunar eclipse has thrown the end times once again into focus. But what does the Bible actually say about the signs of the end times? We know that since the time of the Apostles, the last days are upon us. We also know from Peter’s epistle that a day to the Lord is as a thousands years and a thousand years are as a day to the Lord. Meaning we don’t know exactly when the end times are and no one knows the day or the hour of the Lord’s return. Yet, Matthew dedicates almost an entire chapter of his gospel to the teachings of Christ regarding the end times. Here we look at what are signs beyond the last days into the end times, before the coming of Christ.

Deception over the Messiah

Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. Matthew 24:4

The single most important question you can answer is, “who is Jesus?” The first sign of the end times will be increasing deception about who Jesus is and who is the real Messiah. Jesus warned that many people will come claiming to have the answers, to point the way, and to lead people. But for the believer, there is no other Name but the name of Jesus and no other Lord but him. So don’t be deceived, salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved.

Wars and Rumors of Wars

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 24:5

Another signs of the end times is the increase of war and rumors regarding war spreading. This points to ongoing conflict, unrest, lack of peace, and fear spreading like never before in the end times. The increase of knowledge and the widespread communication networks allow the hearing of wars and rumors to spread faster and farther than ever before in history, today.

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Matthew 24:7

There’s a power struggle that’s related to the end times between nations of the earth. A battle for power and for control. Kingdoms rise, kingdoms fall. Threats are being made, one nation against another. This has been happening and is happening currently with ISIS, North Korea, and many other examples.

Famines, Earthquakes

There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matthew 24:7-8

Famines and earthquakes are another sign of the times. The book of Romans says the whole of creation is groaning. Until the Lord comes and sets everything right, creation and nature is in turmoil because of the fall and the effects of sin.

Increase of Persecution

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. Matthew 24:9

Persecution against Christians will rise in the end times. Reports suggest there are more Christians being martyred for their faith today than any other time in history.

 Betrayal and Apostasy

At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, Matthew 24:10

Apostacy is the word for falling away. As times grow darker and colder, some will turn away from the faith, betraying and hating one another. We continue hearing reports of changing.

False Prophets & Increased Deception

11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:11

False prophets and teachers will arise and lead people astray introducing other messiahs, other means of salvation, false doctrine, and denying the Lord. Peter said it this way,“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them–bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

Increase of Wickedness

12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Wickedness will increase, love will decrease.

The gospel will be preached in all nations

14 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.

Because of God’s incredible patience, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance, before the coming of Christ, everyone will hear the gospel. The gospel will be preached in all nations. This has yet to occur. There are still billions who need to hear.

Abomination that causes desolation

“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’[a] spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

The Abomination that causes desolation is not something all scholars agree on other than a great sin set up in the holy place. Perhaps it will be known what it is when it happens.

Great distress

21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. Matthew 24:21

Great distress will come upon the earth before the coming of the Lord.

False messiahs, prophets, and deceptive signs and wonders

24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.25 See, I have told you ahead of time. Matthew 24:24-25

False messiahs and prophets will deceive people with false signs and wonders. This is becoming more and more possible as online media has connected the world and given anyone the ability to communicate with a global audience.

Natural signs in the earth, moon, sun, and stars

29 “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.

There will be natural signs and reactions from God’s creation including the sun darkening, the moon won’t give light, and stars will fall, while the heavenly bodies shake.

No one knows the exact time or date

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father. Matthew 24:36

No one knows exactly when the Lord will come again, so if anyone claims to they’re lying.

People will be unprepared

37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37

Just as in the days of Noah, people will be completely unprepared for the coming of Christ. Noah was building a enormous boat on dry group, when it had never rained before. Unless there was a flood, there was no way to get the ark to water. People likely thought he was crazy and mocked him. Likewise before the coming of Christ, as you prepare and ready your heart for the Lord’s coming people will misunderstand you.