Do you ever wonder what the future of Earth really is? Not the guesses of politicians or pop culture, but the true future that God has already revealed in His Word? According to Scripture, we’re not heading toward chaos without direction—we are moving steadily toward the fulfillment of God’s sovereign plan for history. And He has graciously told us what that looks like.
The Bible lays out a clear and compelling roadmap of the end times. It’s not vague. It’s not symbolic in a way that leaves us with nothing concrete. God has revealed what is coming so that His people can be confident, alert, and full of hope.
Here’s a straightforward look at what lies ahead, according to God’s Word.
Step 1: The Rapture of the Church
The next major prophetic event is the rapture—the catching away of all believers to meet Christ in the air. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul describes how the Lord will descend from heaven, the dead in Christ will rise first, and then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord. This moment is distinct from the Second Coming. It is sudden, imminent, and without warning.
Jesus promises in Revelation 3:10 to keep His people from the hour of testing that is coming upon the whole world. That promise is best understood as a deliverance from the coming Tribulation. The absence of the church in Revelation chapters 6 through 18 further supports this pre-tribulational view. The church is not mentioned during this time of judgment because she is already with Christ.
Step 2: The Beginning of the Tribulation – Seal and Trumpet Judgments
After the rapture, the seven-year Tribulation begins. Daniel 9:27 describes this period as the final week of years in God’s plan for Israel. It is a time when God brings judgment on a rebellious world while preparing Israel for her Messiah.
The first part of the Tribulation is marked by the Seal Judgments of Revelation 6. These include conquest, war, famine, death, martyrdom, and cosmic disturbances. These judgments are not merely natural disasters but divine acts initiated by the Lamb, Jesus Christ.
Following the seals come the Trumpet Judgments in Revelation 8 and 9. These are more intense and include environmental destruction, demonic torment, and massive loss of life. Despite these terrifying events, Revelation tells us that people still refuse to repent. The hardness of the human heart under judgment is staggering.
Step 3: The Abomination of Desolation
At the midpoint of the Tribulation, a defining event takes place. Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15 speak of the abomination of desolation, when the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and desecrates the Jewish temple, setting himself up as god. Paul describes this in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 as the man of lawlessness exalting himself above every so-called god or object of worship.
Jesus said that when this happens, it will mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation—a time of unparalleled suffering and distress. This is a turning point, not only politically and religiously, but in terms of divine judgment as well.
Step 4: The Great Tribulation – Bowl Judgments
The second half of the Tribulation intensifies into what Jesus called the Great Tribulation in Matthew 24:21. During this time, the Bowl Judgments described in Revelation 15 and 16 are poured out. These judgments are final and complete. They include painful sores, contaminated waters, scorching heat, darkness, and massive global upheaval.
By this point, the world is fully under the control of the Antichrist, and open rebellion against God reaches its climax. Yet even in the face of direct and devastating judgment, people refuse to repent. The phrase “they blasphemed God” occurs repeatedly in these chapters. The world’s defiance is total.
Step 5: The Second Coming of Christ
After the full measure of divine wrath is poured out, Christ returns. This is the visible, bodily return of Jesus to earth in power and glory. Revelation 19 describes heaven opening and Christ riding forth on a white horse, crowned with many diadems, and followed by the armies of heaven.
He strikes down the nations, defeats the Antichrist and his forces, and establishes His kingdom. This event fulfills many Old Testament prophecies, such as those in Zechariah 14 and Isaiah 63. This is not the rapture—it is Christ’s public return as Judge and King.
Following His return, Christ will establish His millennial kingdom, as described in Revelation 20. Satan will be bound, righteousness will reign, and the promises to Israel will be fulfilled in full.
What This Means for Us
This isn’t just theological detail—it’s truth meant to shape how we live. If you are in Christ, you can live with hope. You are not appointed for wrath but for salvation. The rapture could happen at any moment, and that should lead us to holy living, urgent evangelism, and deep comfort.
If you are not in Christ, the Tribulation is not just a dramatic story—it is your future. The door of grace is open now, but it will not stay open forever. Today is the day of salvation.
God has not left us in the dark. He has told us what is coming, not to frighten us, but to ready us. His justice is real. His mercy is still available. And His Son is coming soon.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
