Bible prophecy sometimes is controversial because there are so many different opinions about it. Most of the controversies have to do with the timing of the Lord’s return or the interpretation of the signs related to His return. So many try to stay away from teaching prophecy. However, this is not the time in history to avoid the study of future things.
So with that thought in mind I would like to present to you an outline of Bible prophecy – a chronology of what will happen next. So, sit back for a few minutes and let’s see what the Bible says we can expect.
1. The Rapture of the Church
Without warning, at the moment of the rapture, the bodies of all believers who have died since the day of Pentecost will suddenly be transformed into new, living immortal, resurrected bodies. These new bodies will be joined together with the people’s spirits, which Jesus brings with Him from Heaven. Then the bodies of those who are alive on earth and have accepted Christ as their Savior will also be instantly translated into new, immortal bodies.
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
2. The Tribulation Period
This period of 7 years will be a time more horrific and traumatic than any other in human history. It will include the rise of the Antichrist and the final Battle of Armageddon.
“…behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17)
3. The Judgement Seat of Christ
During the Tribulation on Earth, Christians will be rewarded for their service for Christ. One cannot go to Heaven based on works, but works will be rewarded for those who have trusted Jesus as Savior.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (1 Corinthians 5:10)
4. The Return of Jesus Christ
The second coming of Christ is the most anticipated event in human history. This is the ultimate fulfillment of our Lord’s promise to return.
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:29-30)
5. The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ
Upon His return, Jesus will set up the most incredible kingdom in all of human history – a kingdom in which Jesus will have all the nations at peace under His rulership. It will last 1,000 years.
“…And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4)
6. The Great White Throne Judgment
All unbelievers will appear before the Great White Throne at the end of the Millennium. During this judgment, a record of every deed and thought will be brought to light. Because they have not trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and received forgiveness, they will be cast into eternal punishment.
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)
7. Eternity
Eternity will never end. Those who have trusted Christ will enjoy a beautiful home in Heaven. Those who have rejected Christ will spend forever in Hell.
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.”(Revelation 21:1)
So, in light of all this what should we do? I’ve met too many people who are interested in Bible prophecy but don’t do anything about it. The soon return of Jesus Christ and the eternal destination of every person (Heaven or Hell) should motivate every Christian to share the Gospel to everyone before it’s too late. Please take sometime today to encourage someone you know to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Jesus is Returning, Ready or Not!
Questions? Comments? Let’s Talk…