What is the end times timeline?
A Baptist Perspective on the Timeline of End Times Events
The Bible provides a framework for understanding the events of the end times, also known as eschatology. While different theological traditions may have varying interpretations, this expanded lesson follows a dispensational, premillennial Baptist understanding of the end times, emphasizing a literal interpretation of Scripture where possible.
1. The Rapture of the Church
The next major event in God’s prophetic timeline is the rapture, when Jesus Christ comes in the clouds to "snatch away" all believers. This event will occur in an instant: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52, NKJV). At the same time, “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, NKJV). This imminent event requires no prior fulfillment of prophecy and serves as the blessed hope of the church (Titus 2:13).
2. The Rise of the Antichrist
Following the rapture, a satanically empowered man will rise to prominence, promising peace and unity. This figure, called the Antichrist, will deceive the world and gain political and religious control: “Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name” (Revelation 13:1, NKJV). His reign is foretold in Daniel 9:27, where he makes a covenant with many, only to break it midway through a seven-year period. Assisting him will be the false prophet, who leads a global religious system requiring worship of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20, NKJV).
3. The Tribulation
The tribulation is a seven-year period of intense judgment upon the earth, during which God’s wrath will be poured out on a sinful and rebellious world. This period is described in Revelation 6–16, with judgments that escalate in severity. During this time, the church will be in heaven, experiencing the Judgment Seat of Christ, where believers’ works are evaluated (2 Corinthians 5:10, NKJV), and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, a celebration of Christ’s union with His bride, the church (Revelation 19:6–9, NKJV).
4. The Battle of Gog and Magog
In the early part of the tribulation, a coalition of nations led by a northern power will attack Israel. God will supernaturally intervene, defeating these enemies: “Then I will knock the bow out of your left hand, and cause the arrows to fall out of your right hand” (Ezekiel 39:3, NKJV). This battle, detailed in Ezekiel 38–39, demonstrates God’s faithfulness to protect His covenant people.
5. The Abomination of Desolation
At the midpoint of the tribulation, the Antichrist will betray Israel by breaking his covenant and desecrating the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. Jesus referred to this event: “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (Matthew 24:15, NKJV). Daniel 12:11 and Revelation 12:17 describe the subsequent persecution of Jews and believers, as many turn to Christ during this time of intense suffering.
6. The Battle of Armageddon
At the end of the tribulation, Jesus Christ will return visibly and bodily to earth, accompanied by the armies of heaven: “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war” (Revelation 19:11, NKJV). Christ will defeat the Antichrist and his armies at Armageddon, save Jerusalem from annihilation, and establish His kingdom. The Antichrist and false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20, NKJV).
7. The Judgment of the Nations
Following His return, Jesus will judge the survivors of the tribulation, separating the righteous from the wicked in what is often called the judgment of the sheep and goats: “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:31–33, NKJV). The righteous will enter the Millennial Kingdom, while the wicked are cast into hell.
8. The Binding of Satan
Satan will be bound and cast into the bottomless pit for 1,000 years: “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:1–2, NKJV).
9. The Millennial Kingdom
Christ will reign on earth for 1,000 years in a period of unparalleled peace and prosperity. Jerusalem will be the capital, and the nations will worship the King: “For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3, NKJV). Sacrifices in the rebuilt temple (Ezekiel 40–48) will serve as memorials, pointing back to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
10. The Last Battle
At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be released for a short time and will deceive the nations. They will rise in rebellion against God but will be swiftly defeated: “They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them” (Revelation 20:9, NKJV). Satan will be cast into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:10, NKJV).
11. The Great White Throne Judgment
All the wicked from all eras will be resurrected to stand before God in final judgment: “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” (Revelation 20:11, NKJV). Those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15, NKJV).
12. The New Creation
God will create a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin, pain, and death: “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (Revelation 21:1, NKJV). The New Jerusalem will descend, and God will dwell with His people forever: “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God’” (Revelation 21:3, NKJV).
Conclusion
This timeline of end-times events highlights God’s sovereignty and His ultimate plan for His creation. Believers are called to live with hope, knowing that Christ will return and establish His eternal kingdom. As Titus 2:13 (NKJV) exhorts us: “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
