Bible Prophecy: The Timeline of the End Times
We’ve already talked about the signs of the end times and the rapture of the church. Now, let's dig into the timeline of the end times and the tribulation. The interesting thing about Bible prophecy is that we can know what is going to happen next, but we cannot predict the exact time it is going to happen. So when you hear someone give you a date the rapture is going to happen, or a date anything is going to happen, take it with a grain of salt. They’re probably wrong. But here is the chain of events.
| Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Church Age | Earth | We are currently in the church age. |
| The Rapture | Heavenward | The next thing that is going to happen is the rapture of the church. |
| Judgment Seat of Christ | Heaven | All believers will approach the judgment seat to receive rewards. |
| Marriage Supper of the Lamb | Heaven | A seven-year feast with the Lord during the tribulation. |
| The Tribulation | Earth | Seven years of suffering, split into two halves. |
| Second Coming of Jesus | Earth | The Son of God is coming literally, bodily, back to this Earth. |
The Rapture and the First Judgment
We are currently in the church age. As noted, the next thing that is going to happen is the rapture of the church. As soon as we are raptured, all believers will approach the judgment seat of Christ. This is not to judge whether you are saved or not, because salvation is a gift that can only be received by believing in Jesus Christ. Plus, the only people who will get raptured are those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. So the simple fact that you were raptured proves that you are saved. Your salvation is secure through your faith in Jesus Christ.
Judgment of Works
But we will be judged on what we did here on the Earth. 2 Corinthians 5:10 NLT states: "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." This scripture is written to believers whose salvation is secure because of their faith in Jesus Christ. They will spend eternity in heaven, but first, they must give an account for what they did in their earthly body.
All believers are building their lives on the same foundation: Jesus Christ. So, no matter what you build, the foundation is strong and secure. But it is important to give attention to how you are building on this foundation. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 NLT explains: "Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward." This is a clear explanation of the judgment seat of Christ. It is extremely clear that even if everything is burned up in that judgment, you will be saved.
Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the Tribulation
After this day of judgment, we will enter the marriage supper of the lamb. While the earth is experiencing tribulation, we’ll be having a seven-year feast with the Lord. The marriage supper of the lamb is revealed in Revelation 19:7: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself."
While we are enjoying the marriage supper of the lamb, the earth will be suffering through the tribulation. The tribulation is split in half. The first half will be somewhat mild compared to the last half.
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
The Son of God is coming literally, bodily, back to this Earth. 2 Thessalonians 1:7 describes when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God. The word “revealed” is the word apocalypse, which means an unveiling. Jesus’ glory and majesty are veiled today, but people will one day see Him as He is!
When Is the Second Coming of Christ? Jesus’ return is like the sunrise in two ways: you can't hurry it up, and you can't stop it. It comes on time. When Jesus comes, we will be made like Him. We will be dazzled at His transforming love. Think of those who were reached by His grace, who will now be made like the Lord Jesus! Who is going to admire the Lord Jesus when He comes again? Who will be transformed? “Those who believe.”
False Prophets and Deception
As we get closer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, there will be a lot of quacks, charlatans, and cults. Many false prophets will speak lies. That is all the more reason to open God’s Word and read it. Understand what God says—black print on white paper—interpreted by the Holy Spirit into your heart, so you can be ready for Christ when He comes.