What Will the Last Days of the World Be Like?

The Bible teaches that the world will face a definite end, and signs show we are living in the last days (Matthew 24:3–14; 2 Timothy 3:1–5). However, many people are spiritually blind, unable to see the truth because Satan has deceived them (2 Corinthians 4:4). Instead, they live for worldly pleasures, unaware that sudden judgment is coming, just as it happened in the days of Noah and Sodom (Luke 17:26–30).

What Events Will Happen Before the World Ends?

1. The Rapture

The first major event is the Rapture—when Jesus will come to take all true believers to heaven. This is a secret catching away of the Church before the tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; John 14:2–3).

The Rapture shows God’s mercy, removing His people before His judgment falls on the earth (1 Corinthians 15:51–52).

If the Rapture happened today, the earth would only have about 7 more years left, as prophesied in Daniel 9:24–27. Daniel’s seventy weeks prophecy is often understood to outline this period of tribulation.

2. The Rise of the Antichrist and the Great Tribulation

After the Rapture, the Antichrist will appear and rule the world temporarily, bringing a period of severe suffering known as the Great Tribulation (Revelation 13; Matthew 24:15–21). The Antichrist will commit the “abomination of desolation” (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15), a blasphemous act that defiles the holy place and signals the start of God’s wrath.

This period tests the faith of those left on earth and shows the severity of rebellion against God.

3. God’s Judgments

During the tribulation, God will pour out His wrath through a series of judgments called the seven bowls of wrath (Revelation 16). These punish those who refuse to repent and acknowledge God’s sovereignty.

This reveals God’s justice and holiness, demonstrating that sin cannot go unpunished (Romans 1:18).

4. The Judgment of the Nations

At the end of the tribulation, Jesus will return visibly to judge the nations, separating people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats (Matthew 25:31–46). The “sheep” are those who have shown faith and righteousness; the “goats” are those who have rejected God.

This judgment emphasizes the importance of living a life of obedience and compassion (James 2:14–26).

What Happens After That?

5. The 1,000-Year Reign of Christ (Millennial Kingdom)

Jesus will then establish His kingdom on earth, reigning for 1,000 years in peace and righteousness (Revelation 20:1–6). During this time, Satan will be bound, preventing him from deceiving the nations.

This period fulfills God’s promise to restore creation and bring peace (Isaiah 11:6–9; Psalm 72).

6. Satan’s Final Defeat

At the end of the millennium, Satan will be released briefly to deceive the nations once more but will be finally defeated and thrown into the lake of fire—eternal punishment (Revelation 20:7–10).

This shows the final victory of God over evil and the permanent removal of sin.

7. The Great White Throne Judgment

Then the last judgment takes place: all the dead are raised and judged according to their deeds (Revelation 20:11–15). Those not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire.

This final judgment affirms God’s righteousness and the eternal consequences of rejecting Him.

8. The New Heaven and New Earth

Finally, God creates a new heaven and new earth, where He dwells with His people forever (Revelation 21:1–4). The New Jerusalem comes down from heaven as God’s eternal home with humanity.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.”
(Revelation 21:4)

There will be no more pain, suffering, or death. Eternal life with God is the ultimate hope and destiny for believers (John 3:16; Romans 8:18–25).

What Should We Do Now?

Because these things could happen at any time, it is our responsibility to live ready and faithful lives.

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”
(Matthew 24:42)

Let us walk in holiness, love, and obedience, so we will be part of God’s eternal kingdom (2 Peter 3:11–14).

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