End Times and the Hope of Glory

Biblical Truths for New Believers

Introduction: Understanding the Last Days

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must understand what the Bible teaches about the end times and the eternal hope promised to believers. Knowing this gives us confidence, peace, and a reason to live with purpose.

The Bible teaches that the “last days” began when the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2:16–17), and this period will continue until the visible return of Jesus Christ to judge the world and establish His Kingdom.

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”
— Matthew 24:36

Even though we don’t know the exact time, Scripture gives us signs to watch for and hope to cling to.

1. Key Events in the End Times (Eschatology)

Eschatology is the theological term for the study of “last things”—including Christ’s return, resurrection, judgment, and eternity. The Bible outlines several key events that mark this final phase:

a) The Gospel Preached to All Nations

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
— Matthew 24:14

God’s plan is that all peoples hear the gospel before the end comes (see also Revelation 7:9).

b) The Great Tribulation

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”
— Matthew 24:21
See also: Revelation 13

This period involves severe persecution, deception, and testing of faith.

c) Increase of Wickedness and Apostasy

“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed…”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Moral decline and rebellion against truth will be widespread.

d) The Appearance of the Antichrist

“Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come.”
— 1 John 2:18
Also: 2 Thessalonians 2:4

The Antichrist will exalt himself and deceive many before Christ returns.

e) The Visible Return of Jesus

“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
— Matthew 24:30

Jesus will return personally, visibly, and in glory to gather His people and judge the world.

f) The Resurrection and Final Judgment

“…all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life…”
— John 5:28–29

This is the hope of believers—the resurrection to eternal life and reward (cf. Revelation 20:11–15).

2. The Second Coming of Christ

Jesus’ return is the central hope of Christian eschatology. His first coming was for salvation; His second coming will be for judgment and glory.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself…”
— John 14:3

“This Jesus… will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
— Acts 1:11

The return of Christ will be:

• Visible to all – Revelation 1:7
• Sudden and unexpected – Matthew 24:27
• Glorious and triumphant – Matthew 24:30
• Accompanied by angels and saints – 1 Thessalonians 3:13

On that day:

• Evil will be destroyed – 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10
• Satan will be cast into judgment – Revelation 20:10
• God’s eternal Kingdom will be established – Revelation 11:15

3. The Hope of Glory (Christian Anthropology & Soteriology)

Christian theology teaches that believers are united with Christ, and that union secures their eternal future. Our hope is not based on human effort but on God’s promises.

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
— Colossians 1:27

What is “Glory” in Biblical?

• The visible presence of God – Exodus 33:18–20
• The perfection and holiness of God – Isaiah 6:3
• Our final transformation into Christ’s likeness – Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18

4. What Awaits the Believer? (Eternal State)

a) A Glorified Body

“…the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:52

“…He will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.”
— Philippians 3:20–21

We will no longer suffer or die. Our new bodies will be eternal, powerful, and free from sin.

b) Eternal Home in the New Heaven and New Earth

“In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.”
— John 14:2

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
— Revelation 21:1–5

c) Seeing God Face to Face

“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”
— Revelation 22:4

In the eternal state, faith will become sight. We will dwell in God’s presence forever (cf. Revelation 22:5).

5. Living with Eternity in Mind

Knowing that eternity is real and near should transform how we live today.

🔹 Stay Spiritually Awake

“…waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
— Titus 2:13

We must live with readiness, not apathy.

🔹 Live a Holy Life

“And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
— 1 John 3:3

God’s people are called to reflect Christ’s character while awaiting His return.

🔹 Be Anchored in Hope

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
— Hebrews 6:19

Life’s trials are temporary, but God’s promises are eternal.

🔹 Share the Gospel Boldly

Because eternity is real, we preach Christ. Every person will face eternity—either with God or separated from Him.

Final Reflection: A Cry of Hope, Not Fear

“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’”
— Revelation 22:17
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
— Revelation 22:20

The Church doesn’t fear the end times—we long for Jesus’ return. For the believer, the end is not the end—it is the beginning of eternal glory with Christ.

Print this post