Prophecy fulfilled. Promises kept. Christ returning.
The Doctrine of End Times reveals God’s prophetic timeline for the world — from the rise of the Antichrist to the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of believers, and the final judgment.
We believe in a literal, visible return of Jesus Christ, a post-tribulation (middle of 7-years Daniel’s 70th week), pre-wrath rapture, and the millennial reign of Christ on earth. The Bible gives us not confusion, but clarity about the future.
Revelation 1:3
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
For foundational Bible study, see The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God and The Doctrine of Salvation. You can find all of the doctrines we believe in within our Statement of Faith including this doctrine of end times events.
1. The Certainty of Christ’s Return in the Doctrine of End Times
The second coming of Jesus Christ is not symbolic or spiritual — it is literal, visible, and world-changing. Just as He ascended visibly, He will return in the same manner.
Acts 1:11
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
The coming of Christ marks the fulfillment of prophecy and the hope of all believers. It is the anchor of our faith and the climax of redemptive history.
2. The Tribulation and the Wrath of God
We believe the tribulation begins with the rise of the Antichrist and global deception. It will be a time of great persecution against believers and judgment upon the world. The Bible clearly teaches this fact that we set forth in the doctrine of end times.
Matthew 24:21–22
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
The tribulation will end when the sun and moon are darkened — the sign that Christ’s return is near and God’s wrath is about to begin. Daniel’s 70th week does not end when the tribulation ends. God’s wrath is completed at the end of the 7-year period of time.
For more on the timing of these events, read The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God and the book of Revelation 6.
3. The Rapture — After Tribulation, Before Wrath
We believe in a post-tribulation, pre-wrath rapture. Believers will be gathered to Christ immediately after the tribulation, but before the outpouring of God’s wrath upon the earth. Make sure you see that: “Before God pours out His wrath” in the doctrine of end times!
Matthew 24:29–31
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The rapture and the second coming are one event — the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.
4. The Millennial Reign of Christ in the Doctrine of End Times
After His return, Jesus Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years. This is the literal Millennial Kingdom, a time of peace, justice, and righteousness when Christ rules from Jerusalem.
Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
During this period, Satan will be bound, Israel will be restored, and the promises of the prophets will be fulfilled.
More information: Different views of the Millennial Kingdom.
5. The Final Judgment in the Doctrine of End Times Events
After the thousand years, Satan will be loosed for a short season, deceiving the nations one final time. He will then be cast into the lake of fire forever, and all unbelievers will stand before the Great White Throne.
Revelation 20:11–12
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Eternal life belongs to all who have believed in Christ; eternal judgment awaits all who have rejected Him.
Learn how this connects to salvation in The Doctrine of Eternal Security.
Application and Affirmation
The Doctrine of End Times reminds us that history is not random — it is divine. Every prophecy, promise, and event moves toward the triumphant return of Christ. Believers should not fear the future but live faithfully in the present.
2 Peter 3:11–12
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.
Affirmation – Doctrine of End Times:
- Jesus Christ will return literally, visibly, and gloriously.
- The rapture occurs after the tribulation but before God’s wrath.
- Christ will reign on earth for 1,000 years.
- The final judgment will separate the saved and the lost forever.
