the last days
The Bible speaks about signs and attitudes that signal what it calls “the conclusion of the [current] system of things,” or “the end of the world.”
Matthew 24:3
Signs Described in the Bible for “the Last Days”
The Bible mentions specific events, attitudes, and situations that signal “the conclusion of the system of things” or what many call “the end of the world.” (Matthew 24:3; King James Version) It refers to this era as “the last days” or “the time of the end” and “end times.” (2 Timothy 3:1; Daniel 8:19; Easy-to-Read Version)
The scriptures highlight various predictions that combine to form a recognisable sign marking the last days. (Luke 21:7) Some clear examples stand out:
Bible Prophecies About the Last Days
Famine
Jesus stated—
There will be food shortages.
(Matthew 24:7)
Revelation describes another symbolic rider whose arrival brings widespread hunger. (Revelation 6:5, 6)
Large-scale war
Jesus warned—
Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.
(Matthew 24:7)
The book of Revelation speaks of a symbolic rider who would “take peace away from the earth,” signalling widespread conflict. (Revelation 6:4)
Major earthquakes
Jesus said—
There will be great earthquakes in one place after another.
(Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11)
These earthquakes would bring suffering and take many lives across the globe.
Disease outbreaks
According to Jesus—
There will be pestilences.
(Luke 21:11,
This points to waves of serious diseases and epidemics.
Rising crime
Crime has long plagued society, but Jesus said—
Because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold.
(Matthew 24:12)
He was describing a noticeable rise in wrongdoing and social disorder during the last days.
Harm to the earth
Revelation 11:18 says—
Those ruining the earth will be brought to ruin.
Mankind would damage the earth through violence, corruption and environmental harm.
Negative attitudes
At 2 Timothy 3:1-4, the prophecy says—
People will be unthankful, disloyal, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride.
These attitudes would become so common that this period could be called “critical times hard to deal with.”
Family breakdown
2 Timothy 3:2, 3 warns—
People will have no natural affection… children will be disobedient to parents.
Family bonds would weaken in many homes.
Loss of love for God
Jesus foretold—
The love of the greater number will grow cold.
(Matthew 24:12)
2 Timothy 3:4 describes people as—
Lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.
Most would lose their devotion to God during these times.
Religious hypocrisy
The Bible states at 2 Timothy 3:5—
They will have an appearance of godliness but prove false to its power.
People would appear religious but ignore God’s standards in daily life.
Greater understanding of scripture
Daniel 12:4 notes—
Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant.
People would come to understand Bible teachings more clearly during this era.
Global preaching work
Jesus said—
This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth.
(Matthew 24:14)
The message about God’s Kingdom would reach people everywhere.
Widespread apathy and scorn
Jesus warned—
Just as it occurred in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of man: they were eating, they were drinking… and they took no note.
(Matthew 24:37-39)
Peter added at 2 Peter 3:3, 4—
In the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule… saying: “Where is this promised presence of his?”
Many would ignore or mock the evidence of the approaching end.
All prophecies fulfilled together
Jesus explained—
When you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors.
(Matthew 24:33)
The last days would be marked by the coming together of all these signs, not just a few.
Living in the Last Days
World events and Bible timelines both point to the start of the last days in 1914, the same year as the outbreak of World War I. In that year, God’s Kingdom began to rule in heaven. One key event was the removal of Satan and his angels from heaven, limiting their activity to the earth. (Revelation 12:7-12) This influence is seen in the attitudes and behaviour that make these days so difficult. (2 Timothy 3:1)
People feel troubled by today’s distressing conditions. Many sense that society is in decline and worry about what the future holds.
Some, though also affected by these problems, feel hopeful. They trust that God’s Kingdom will soon solve the world’s troubles. (Daniel 2:44; Revelation 21:3, 4) They wait for God to keep his promises and find comfort in Jesus’ words—
The one who has endured to the end will be saved.
(Matthew 24:13; Micah 7:7)