During turbulent times more people ask about the future and what will happen. Thankfully, God tells us just that!
God loves us so deeply that He revealed future events and wrote them in a book for us to know about catastrophic events before they occur. His prophetic book is the most widely published document in all of human history. This book is the Bible.
I've been fascinated by these future events and dedicated my life for the past 25 years to the study of eschatology (the study of Biblical end times). Interestingly, over most of these decades few others were interested in the subject. But in the past few years I've had more people come to me asking questions than in the previous two decades combined. There is certainly a hunger for truth in what appears to be uncertain times. And thankfully, there is certainty and peace to be known as well.
So to all my beloved friends and family,
“This is me, sitting down with you to answer some of your many questions about the Biblical End Times
and letting you know the actions we can take today that may make all the difference in the world and through eternity.
The following are a few of the many reoccurring questions I've received over the past few months. Without turning this into a deep Bible study, I'll give you my summarized answers to keep this short and personal. If you'd like to know how I reach these conclusions feel free to research it for yourself through any of my in-depth, online Bible studies.
From my heart to yours...
Is This The End Of The World?
Nope. That won't occur for at least 1,007 years from now. There will be a new Heaven and a New Earth, only after the seven-year Tribulation and the millennium (when Jesus comes to Earth and serves as King for 1,000 years).
Doesn't The Rapture Come First?
Not necessarily. If you're Saved (you know Jesus as your personal Savior), then your soul will forever be with God - both here on earth and later, after death. This eternal assurance brings us peace no matter the circumstances of this world. As far as the rapture goes, yes I believe God shows us examples of and tells us in His word that there will be a rapture - a removing of those who believe in Him as their personal savior. He will meet us in the clouds when we hear His final trumpet.
There are three main views of when the rapture will occur... pre, mid, or post tribulation. After much Biblical study I believe there is very little Biblical evidence for a mid-tribulation rapture. While the argument can be made for a post-tribulation rapture, and this is possible, there isn't as much evidence pointing in that direction. I believe the strongest case for the timing of the rapture is pre-tribulation.
But even if the rapture happens before the seven-year tribulation, God doesn't tell us how far in advance that will occur. The rapture may happen minutes, months, or decades before the tribulation begins. Personally, I believe the strongest case can be made for minutes or months. There are many reasons for this, but we see demonstrated that believers who came before us also suffered, and even those who were spared (like Noah) had to live in a very lost world for a long time before being removed from it.
That means, we'll likely see the world getting worse (far more sinful and anti-God) before the rapture occurs.
When Does the Tribulation Start?
The seven year tribulation begins with the enforcement of a peace treaty that the Antichrist (who becomes the One World Leader) enforces with Israel and several other nations. The Antichrist may or may not create or sigh the peace treaty, it might already be written, but he enforces it. This moment begins God's stopwatch for the seven year period of time known as the Tribulation.
This timeframe is split into two parts. The first half (which lasts 3 1/2 years) includes physical devastation and tremendous death across the globe, from Satanically planned perfect storms that result in famines, murder, pestilence (pandemics and destruction of humans God-given immune system), and war.
As horrifically unthinkable were the first three and a half years, the second half (the following 3 1/2 years) will be even worse. This tipping point will begin with the Antichrist sitting in the Holy of Holies within the (newly built) Jewish Temple (that doesn't exist yet today), and he declares himself as "god" and forces everyone to worship him.
This is why the second half of the Tribulation is known as the Great Tribulation and why it involves far more spiritual warfare and the release of satanic beings from Hell onto the earth to torment humans. Trust me, you won't want to be here for that.
Who Is The Antichrist?
The Antichrist is the world leader in charge during the seven-year Tribulation.
Is the Antichrist alive and is power today? That depends on how close we are to the Rapture and the beginning of the Tribulation period. If we're within ten years of less of the Tribulation, then yes, the Antichrist is certainly alive and is probably functioning at some level of power although not worldwide power at this moment).
Who is the Antichrist? I have my Biblically educated guesses, but the Antichrist hasn't clearly been revealed yet. It's likely that he won't come into his full power and position until after the Rapture.
“Now... with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him... Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (the day of the Lord) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness (the Antichrist) is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he (the Antichrist) takes his seat in the temple of God (in Jerusalem), displaying himself as being God. (This event happens at the 3 1/2 year half-way point during the seven year Tribulation).
Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now (the Holy Spirit!), so that in his time he (the Antichrist) will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness (Satan) is already at work (yes, today!); only he who now restrains (the Holy Spirit) will do so until he is taken out of the way. (The Holy Spirit is removed from the world with those who are raptured).
Then (after the Rapture) that lawless one (the Antichrist) will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; (the second coming - where those who were Raptured will return with Jesus at the end of the seven year Tribulation)
And in case you're wondering that "Are we sure that this coming world leader, the Antichrist, works for Satan?" God continues this sentence with...
that is, the one whose coming (the Antichrist) is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
There will be eternal consequences for those who follow the lies of Satan, and who refuse to believe God.
...in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness." - 2 Th 2:1-12
Who Is The False Prophet?
The False Prophet is the Antichrist's sidekick. While the Antichrist rules as a one-world government, the Antichrist rules as a one-world religion. A very demonic, false religion (although that can be said even today - that all religions are false and demonic - even Jesus warns us against religion).
Both of these characters have detailed descriptions in the Bible. The role of the False Prophet appears to be in place today, although at a minimal role compared to what it will be in the future. While the role is on place, I can't say for sure that the current religions leader will be the False Prophet, unless of course he's still in position when the Antichrist comes into power.
I have Biblically educated guesses about which people, make fit the Biblical description (if the Tribulation begins soon). I'm not willing to write their names here, but if you ask me in person, I'll be glad to share my ideas.
What Is The Mark of the Beast?
The Mark of the Beast is a tool used to control the ability to buy or sell goods or services during the Tribulation.
There's been lots of speculation about what this specific mark will be (bar codes, microchips, nano-bots, gene manipulation, etc.), but we don't know the details yet.
The testing ground we saw play out during 2020-2022 certainly showed how quickly the masses can be told what to put into their bodies and how, or if, they're allowed to go to the store to buy food.
While the current situation is bad, we're not yet seeing the Mark of The Beast (because the Tribulation hasn't begun yet). This demonstration of power and the masses who catered to it were certainly the testing ground for the future Mark of the Beast.
The Mark of the Beast carries far more consequences than not being able to eat. The Mark contains eternal consequences. God tells us that anyone who takes the Mark of the Beast can no longer enter heaven, be saved, or spend eternity with God. This is an eternal decision that will never be reversed.
All sin besides unbelief is forgivable (yes, even murder). So what could this Mark be, that separates us from God for all eternity? Perhaps it's one and the same... unbelief. Or more specifically a pledge of unity with Satan. This unity will likely be far more than skin deep.
We know that the Mark of the Beast is far more than a barcode stamped on your hand; it's the willing alliance to pledge your soul to Satan and to follow him as your god... for eternity.
What does God love more than anything? What would He give His only son to die for? Humans. You and me. Our eternal souls and our companionship throughout eternity. So what better thing to attack than God's beloved human beings.
With this in mind, my personal speculation is that the Mark of the Beast is something that changes humans to the point of no longer being God's creation.
Perhaps some form of genetic manipulation. And just as God created humans in His image, perhaps Satan will use some form of his own image to add to the human genome. (We've seen this before with Satan and the fallen angels creating the Nephilim. See my blog post about "Satan's Repeating Patterns" for more details.)
In one of the future waves of control (with the excuse of another more deadly pandemic, food shortages, financial collapse, etc), the ability to buy food will require a pledge to Satan (and his Antichrist), through the Mark of The Beast - where those who refuse to submit to him (and those enforcing Satan's agenda) will no longer be able to work, or buy food.
If you're still here during the seven-year Tribulation, please, please, please remember above all else,
“Accept Jesus as your personal Savior, and DO NOT accept the Mark of the Beast."
Yes, I realize I'm asking you to do something that may result in you not being able to buy food, which might ultimately kill your physical body, but I'm asking you to trust God (not me) with your eternal soul. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior will be the best decision of your lifetime. And we'll have all of eternity to celebrate! Even better, get to know God now and be raptured before the Antichrist comes into full power. And I'll see you in the clouds on the way up during the Rapture!
Why Would God Tell Us Ahead Of Time?
First and foremost Gd tells us these things so we can be Saved now. So we'll be raptured before the Tribulation begins.
God tells us all these things so we can be prepared, not scared.
“Be prepared, not scared."
For long-term decisions when we react out of fear, we're less likely to think through things and more likely to make poor and desperate decisions. But it we saw things coming, perhaps years in advance, we have the opportunity to prepare, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. What a tremendous blessing!
How Do We Prepare? With Our Soul First!
God created us with a soul, spirit, and body. He helps us prepare each of these as well. Your soul is so valuable, it's literally the reason for all of this. It's the core of the spiritual war.
If you do nothing else, do this ONE thing. The absolutely most important thing you can do is to be Saved. Repent of your sins, believe that Jesus is God, and that He died and rose from the dead to cover your sins (because no amount of works will ever save anyone's soul). Find a more in-depth walk through this as you Know God, Know Peace.
What's Next?
When you sincerely invite Jesus into your life, read His words (the Bible) to help guide you through each day. A daily practice is of more tremendous value than most realize. There is power in this action and God's words never return void.
These two actions (being Saved and reading the Bible) bring a level of peace that nothing else in the world can begin to touch! This sets your soul, mind, and emotions on an unshakable foundation. Honestly, everything that happens beyond that may indeed be catastrophic, but you can remain calm, see it coming, and know that no matter what (even unto death) that you (the inner you, of your beautiful, eternal soul) is going to be more than fine! You're going to be in the presence of your Lord and Savior for eternity.
Physical Preparedness
So often I hear Christians say, "God's got me." And if they're Saved and referring to their soul, then yes. But most use this as an excuse to continue doing the things they want, rather than the hard work of facing the truth and being prepared.
God told Noah about future catastrophic events, not so Noah could sit around playing video games and God could swoop in at the last moment to miraculously levitate him from the flood. No. God warned Noah ahead of time, and told him to build an ark. This pattern repeats again today.
For specifics about what types of disasters are coming, read my blog post, "What's to Come?". Here, we'll stay on task with broad to-do tasks, how to build your family's ark.
Your Family's Ark
When you know these things will no doubt come to pass, there is much work to be done. The first things we need is security in our soul and to be Saved. This gives us the ability to weather any storm (even unto death). Beyond that, we physically require water, food, and shelter. These tasks are your Family Ark.
Your family's ark will differ from others, by your individual needs and abilities. This can look like anything from adding an extra can of food to your weekly shopping cart and storing it for the storms to come. Or preparing meals ahead of time and storing them in the pantry or freezer. This may seem like not enough, but it's a simple task that most of us can do, and it's one more meal that you'll be grateful you have, if you need it.
Nurture A Garden
Beyond nurturing your soul through daily Bible readings, you can grow and nurture food for your family as well. Do you live in the suburbs with a tiny back yard? Or in the city and only have a patio? Or an apartment with a window? You can still grow something! Fill your windowsill with potted plants - food plants.
Several people lately told me they bought a bunch of seeds, and therefore are prepared for anything. Yet many of them struggle to keep a single houseplant alive. While this is an excellent first step, it takes time, not only to grow, but to prepare and nourish the soil. If you want until you need food, it's going to be a long wait. If you dig up your lawn and throw a bunch of seeds out there, sure some will survive, but that's a far cry from thriving.
I'm a fan of the Square Foot Gardening technique and I've used it in a variety of ways in multiple climates. From the ultra-dry climate of Utah to the wet Pacific Northwest. From a windowsill planter in California to a raised bed garden in the forest. It can be done and you can do it!
Whatever your space, you can do something. Will it be enough to weather through the seven-years of Tribulation? No, most likely not. But it can make you as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. The only way to be completely safe during that time or right now is to know Jesus as your personal savior and know that you'll spend eternity with Him surrounded by more love than you ever knew existed.
I Love You
I tell you these things because I love you. I want the best for you and I want to spend eternity with you in the presence of the purest love, hope, and light that we've ever experienced.
I tell you these things, not to convince you, but to spark curiosity and encourage you to dig deep and explore these issues for yourself.
As always, don't take my word for it.
Examine the Scriptures daily to see whether these things are true.
"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica,
for they received the word with eagerness,
examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so."
- Acts 17:11
Written by Lori Grimmett, a student of Biblical studies for more than 40 years,
and of Biblical theology and eschatology for more than 25 years.