Bible Prophecy End Times Timeline

Many children wonder about Bible prophecy end times timeline and what will happen in the future according to God's plan. The Bible tells us about amazing events that will take place in the last days.

Understanding these prophecies helps us learn about God's promises and His ultimate plan for the world. Let's explore what the Bible says will happen in the end time and also help us be rapture ready.

The Chronological Flow of End Times Events

Here's the sequential order of events according to Bible prophecy:

This sequence shows God's complete plan from initial warnings to eternal restoration. Next, we'll examine each phase in detail.

Bible Prophecy End Times Timeline

1. Signs That Show the End Times Are Coming

Jesus told His disciples about signs to watch for:

• Wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6)
• Earthquakes in different places (Matthew 24:7)
• Famines and diseases (Luke 21:11)
• People will become very selfish and mean (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
• The gospel will be preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14)

What this means: These are like warning signals that tell us the end times are getting closer. Just like dark clouds tell us rain is coming, these signs help us know that Jesus will return soon. However, Jesus said these things must happen, but the end is not yet immediate.

2. The Rapture - When Believers Meet Jesus in the Air

The Bible describes a special event:

• Jesus will come in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
• Believers who have died will rise first
• Living believers will be caught up to meet Jesus
• This happens "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Corinthians 15:52)

What this means: The word "rapture" means to be caught up or taken away. Christians who love Jesus will suddenly be taken to heaven to be with Him. It will happen so fast that people won't have time to say goodbye. Those who don't believe in Jesus will be left on earth.

3. The Tribulation - Seven Years of Trouble

A difficult time will come to earth:

• It will last seven years (Daniel 9:27)
• A world leader called the Antichrist will appear (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
• There will be terrible judgments on earth (Revelation 6-19)
• Many people will turn to God during this time (Revelation 7:9-14)

What this means: This will be the hardest time in all of history. God will pour out His judgment on the earth because of sin. The Antichrist will pretend to be good but will actually be very evil. Even during this terrible time, many people will realize they need Jesus and will be saved.

4. The Second Coming - Jesus Returns to Earth

Jesus will return differently than the Rapture:

• Everyone will see Him coming (Revelation 1:7)
• He will come with His angels and saints (Matthew 25:31)
• He will defeat the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:8)
• He will stand on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4)

What this means: This time, Jesus won't come secretly. Every person on earth will see Him coming in the sky with great power. He will come as a mighty King to defeat all evil and set up His kingdom on earth. The bad guys won't stand a chance against Him!

5. The Millennium - 1,000 Years of Peace

Jesus will rule the earth:

• Satan will be bound for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:2)
• Jesus will reign from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3)
• There will be peace on earth (Isaiah 11:6-9)
• People will live very long lives (Isaiah 65:20)

What this means: Imagine a world with no bullies, no sickness, no wars, and no sadness! That's what it will be like when Jesus rules as King. Satan will be locked up and can't cause any trouble. Animals that usually fight will be friends. It will be the most wonderful time on earth!

6. The Final Judgment

After the 1,000 years:

• Satan will be released briefly and defeated forever (Revelation 20:7-10)
• The Great White Throne Judgment will occur (Revelation 20:11-12)
• Everyone not written in the Book of Life faces judgment (Revelation 20:15)

What this means: God will give Satan one last chance to show how evil he is, but God will defeat him forever. Then God will judge everyone who ever lived. It's like the ultimate court case where God shows everyone what they did in their lives. Only those whose names are in God's special book (because they believed in Jesus) will be saved.

7. New Heaven and New Earth

God creates everything new:

• A new heaven and new earth appear (Revelation 21:1)
• The New Jerusalem comes down from heaven (Revelation 21:2)
• No more tears, death, or pain (Revelation 21:4)
• God lives with His people forever (Revelation 21:3)

What this means: God will create a brand new perfect world that will never get old or broken. The most beautiful city ever will come down from heaven. Best of all, we'll live with God forever! There won't be any crying, hurting, or dying. It will be better than the best day you've ever had, and it will last forever!

Important Things to Remember:

The Bible tells us that no one knows the exact day or hour when these things will begin (Matthew 24:36). God wants us to:

• Be ready always
• Live for Him each day
• Share His love with others
• Trust in His perfect plan

These events show us that God is in control of everything. He has a wonderful plan that ends with Him making all things new and perfect. Those who believe in Jesus have nothing to fear because they will be with Him forever.

Want to learn more exciting Bible stories? Check out "Moses and the Red Sea: When God Made a Way Where There Was No Way" to discover how God performed an incredible miracle to save His people from Pharaoh's army!