Do you want to know when will be the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (properly known as Yahshua the Messiah)? Well, if yes, then this is your best chance. In this post, we will go through the 21 biblical prophecies that needed to be fulfilled before the much-awaited return of Jesus.
No one knows the day and hour
The Bible is clear that no one knows when Yahshua would return here on earth. We read that in Matthew 24:36:
36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
The Father is the only One who knows the exact time. However, the Bible gives us clues that indicate the soon coming of our Savior. By watching out for these signs, we can have a better understanding of what should take place before Christ’s return.
Why you should know Bible prophecy
Some scholars estimate that a third of the Bible is about prophecy and most of these prophecies are yet to be fulfilled! There’s a reason why God included prophecies in His inspired Word.
So, why should you know about the Bible prophecy? Here are some vital reasons:
1. Prophecies increase our knowledge about God’s plan of salvation
God didn’t create us for nothing. He has a plan and we can know that plan through Biblical prophecies. When we have a better understanding of what God has in store for us in the future, then that will help us trust in Him better. That will also help us know God through the plans He has for the entire humanity.
2. Prophecies increase our faith
While there are prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled, there are also those that have already come to pass. When we know these prophecies are fulfilled to the letter, our faith is increased. We trust God even more knowing that if God can both foretell the future and have the power to make it pass, then we can have better confidence in Him!
3. Prophecies serve as proof of God
Prophecies are among the strongest proofs of God’s existence. It demonstrates the reliability of the scriptures and the faithfulness of God.
Notice what Isaiah 46:8-11 tells us:
8 “Remember this, and show yourselves men;
Recall to mind, O you transgressors.9 Remember the former things of old,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me,10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things that are not yet done,
Saying, My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all My pleasure,’11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man who executes My counsel, from a far country.
Indeed I have spoken it;
I will also bring it to pass.
I have purposed it;
I will also do it.
God declares that He alone is God. He will not simply tell you what will happen in the future, but He also has the power to control the future!
4. Prophecies help us prepare
By turning to Bible prophecy, we can interpret current events and global happenings. As Christians, we firmly believe that the scriptures hold clues or predictions about the unfolding of world events, providing a unique perspective on both the present and future.
As our understanding of the future grows and we comprehend how current events contribute to the fulfillment of Bible prophecies, we are better equipped to prepare for upcoming events. Such preparation may involve cultivating spiritual readiness, maintaining moral conduct, and anticipating potential challenges or opportunities.
21 Biblical Prophecies to Watch Out for Before Christ’s Return
Now that we have a better understanding of what biblical prophecies are about and why you should study them, then it is time for us to go through our list. Check out these bible prophecies that should be fulfilled before the return of our Messiah.
1. Knowledge will dramatically increase
We read in Daniel 12:4:
4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
Undeniably, this prophecy is unfolding in our contemporary world as humanity bears witness to remarkable scientific and technological advancements. The concept of the “knowledge doubling curve” or “knowledge doubling time” is gaining prominence among experts, signifying an unprecedented surge in human understanding.
Attempting to quantify this surge, scholars have introduced the notion of the “knowledge doubling time.” Initially, knowledge doubled each century until 1900, as noted by Buckminster Fuller, and subsequently accelerated to doubling every 25 years by the conclusion of World War II. Presently, it is estimated that the doubling interval has further contracted to a remarkable 12 to 18 months.
The consequence? Information overload. In a world where knowledge grows exponentially, dedicating an entire lifetime to learning would still fall short of encompassing the vast expanse of human discoveries.
This surge in knowledge is not merely a phenomenon in isolation. It serves as a catalyst, unlocking the potential for the realization of additional Bible prophecies. The profound increase in human understanding empowers us to accomplish feats that expedite the fulfillment of biblical predictions, marking an era where the seeds of prophecy find fertile ground in the soil of heightened knowledge.
2. Instant transportation will be available
Returning to the words of Daniel 12:4, the prophecy unfolds once more: “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
The phrase “many shall run to and fro” reveals a biblical foresight into humanity’s unparalleled capacity to traverse vast distances in remarkably short time spans. What once took days to travel can now be accomplished within mere hours!
In March 2020, the average number of daily commercial flights stood at a staggering 145,000, forming part of a comprehensive total of around 100,000 flights per day across various categories, according to data from gaytravel.com. Furthermore, Travel + Leisure reports that commercial aviation constituted approximately 46.4% of all flights in 2021, indicating that the total number of aircraft aloft at any given time could range from approximately 15,500 to 17,500.
And these statistics are exclusive to air travel; we haven’t even delved into the extensive data related to land and sea transportation. The Bible, with its timeless wisdom, foresaw the extraordinary transportation capabilities of the modern era, where swift journeys across the globe are not just a possibility but an everyday reality. This biblical prophecy serves as a testament to the remarkable advancements that have unfolded, connecting the dots between ancient wisdom and contemporary achievements in the realm of human transportation.
3. Humans will have the ability to destroy itself
Throughout human history, the pages of time bear witness to numerous wars and conflicts, marking a journey marred by violence. The evolution of weaponry and killing machines crafted by man has been a testament to our capacity for destruction. However, it is only at the dawn of the 21st century that we witness the emergence of advanced technology in weaponry, taking the potential for devastation to unparalleled heights.
At the forefront of our destructive capabilities is the existence of nuclear weapons, possessing the ominous potential to unleash catastrophic damage on an unprecedented scale. Several nations hold nuclear arsenals, and the deployment of these weapons could yield devastating consequences for humanity and the planet.
Beyond the specter of nuclear warfare, we must acknowledge the shadow cast by biological and chemical weapons that humanity has developed. While international treaties prohibit their use, the knowledge and technology required to create such weapons persist. The misuse or accidental release of these substances could inflict severe consequences on human health and the environment.
For the first time in recorded history, mankind holds the ability to engineer its own destruction—a chilling reality echoing the prophecy made by Jesus nearly two thousand years ago. This is exactly what Jesus prophesied about two thousand years ago:
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
Jesus warned of a great tribulation, unparalleled in intensity compared to past world tribulations. The biblical narrative foretells a time of unprecedented peril, emphasizing the gravity of the threat humanity now faces. As we navigate this era, the prophetic words serve as a poignant reminder of the responsibility we bear in managing the power we wield and the urgent need for wisdom in preventing the fulfillment of apocalyptic prophecies.
4. The Nation of Israel must be established
Imagine living in a time before 1948 when the notion of a re-established Jewish homeland in the Middle East seemed improbable. Many pivotal Bible prophecies hinged on the presence of Israel in this region, underscoring the necessity for its establishment before the awaited return of Jesus.
In the scriptural verses of Zechariah 14:1-4, a vivid portrayal emerges:
Behold, the day of the LORD is coming,
And your spoil will be divided in your midst.2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;
The city shall be taken,
The houses rifled,
And the women ravished.
Half of the city shall go into captivity,
But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.3 Then the LORD will go forth
And fight against those nations,
As He fights in the day of battle.4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,
Which faces Jerusalem on the east.
And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,
From east to west,
Making a very large valley;
Half of the mountain shall move toward the north
And half of it toward the south.
Jerusalem and the Middle East emerge as the focal point of future Biblical prophecies, signaling the epicenter where transformative events will unfold. It explicitly mentions the feet of Yahshua landing on the Mount of Olives.
Further reinforcing this prophetic narrative, other verses provide irrefutable evidence of the return of Israel to their homeland, such as Ezekiel 36:24-29 and Jeremiah 16:14-15. These verses articulate the divine promise of gathering the dispersed Israelites, cleansing them, and bestowing upon them a renewed connection to the land of their forefathers.
We read in Ezekiel 36:24-29:
24 For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. 29 I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. I will call for the grain and multiply it, and bring no famine upon you.
Also in Jeremiah 16:14-15:
14 “Therefore behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “that it shall no more be said, ‘The LORD lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ 15 but, ‘The LORD lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them.’ For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the return of Israel to their homeland has been intricately woven into the prophetic fabric of the Bible. This monumental event stands as a key indicator that the return of Yahshua is drawing near, aligning with the ancient prophecies that foretell the restoration of Israel as a pivotal precursor to the momentous return of the Messiah.
5. The United States of America and other English-speaking nations will fall
The United States of America is no doubt the most powerful country this world has ever seen. It is so powerful that no one can defeat it in terms of military and economic power.
Aren’t you wondering how the US became this powerful? Not only that, but other English-speaking nations have also led the world in terms of political and economic influence. Why is that?
Here’s the truth: the US and other English-speaking nations such as Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are recipients of God’s promise to Abraham. This is a huge topic, but let me just give you a brief summary.
After the death of King Solomon, the nation of Israel was divided into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. Because of disobedience to God, the Northern Kingdom fell to Assyria. They were then brought to exile and later, they were known to be the 10 Lost Tribes of Israel.
About 200 years later, the Southern Kingdom, composed of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and a little bit of Levite, fell into the hands of Babylon.
If you’re going to trace history and lineage, the 10 lost tribes of Israel are actually the English-speaking nations. For more details, please read my full explanation in this blog, “Where is the United States in the Bible?”
Now, in prophecies, when the Bible says Jacob, it refers to the English-speaking nations, which include the United States. The time will come when Jacob’s troubles will appear in the world scene.
We read in Jeremiah 30:7:
Alas! For that day is great,
So that none is like it;
And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble,
But he shall be saved out of it.
The descendants of Jacob have become a wicked and immoral nation, like what we are seeing in the United States right now. English-speaking nations have become the biggest producer of pornography. They have also legalized the killing of their unborn. Not only that but the marriage institution is in danger for their immoral conduct.
Because the United States has abandoned God, they will suffer the consequences of their actions. We can read these punishments in Leviticus 26:19-22:
19 I will break the pride of your power;
I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze.20 And your strength shall be spent in vain;
for your land shall not yield its produce, nor shall the trees of the land yield their fruit.21 ‘Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to your sins.
22 I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and make you few in number; and your highways shall be desolate.
The United States and other English-speaking nations are prophesied to undergo a decline, making way for the rise of the next superpower, an unfolding narrative we will explore further.
6. The fall of Israel
While modern-day Israel has indeed experienced military success, the strength it currently enjoys is intricately tied to its alliances, notably with the United States and other English-speaking nations. Biblical prophecies, however, paint a different future for these powerful allies, suggesting their eventual decline.
As these formidable backers wane, Israel may find itself increasingly vulnerable to the persistent threats posed by its adversaries. The ongoing conflicts, such as the battles against Hamas in Gaza, showcase Israel’s military might, but this status quo is not destined to endure indefinitely.
We read in Luke 21:20-22:
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
The Scriptures, particularly in Luke 21:20-22, describe a pivotal moment when Jerusalem is surrounded by armies, signaling its impending desolation. This event marks a period of vulnerability for Israel, where the support it once enjoyed from its allies diminishes. The verses foretell a time of vengeance and fulfillment of written prophecies, a significant turning point in the narrative of Christ’s second coming.
This biblical perspective invites contemplation on the transient nature of geopolitical alliances and the shifting tides of power. The eventual weakening of Israel serves as a profound indicator, according to these prophecies, that the culmination of significant events heralding Christ’s return is drawing near.
7. The United States of Europe will rise
The Bible reveals the fall of the English-speaking countries. When the US falls, there will be a new superpower that will replace it. Do you know which country that would be? This new superpower will rise from Europe. The new superpower will be composed of 10 countries or 10 leaders.
In the historical account of Daniel 2, we learn that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon experienced a dream featuring a colossal image resembling a man. This image exhibited a diverse composition, with distinct sections made from various metals: gold, silver, bronze, iron, and a mixture of iron and clay. These metals represent the powerful ancient kingdoms, which include Babylon, Persia, Greece, and the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire is going to rise again from Europe and will bring temporary peace and prosperity to the world. In the book of Revelation, the Roman Empire is called the Beast:
1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded (this refers to the fall of the Roman Empire in the past), and his deadly wound was healed (now, this refers to the final revival of the Roman Empire). And all the world marveled and followed the beast. (Revelation 13:1-3)
As you can see, the world will be under the rule of this resurrected Roman Empire. You might be amazed at how this one-world government has attained such power but the truth is that it is Satan who gives it power and will direct its actions!
8. The King of the North and King of the South will clash
In Daniel 11, we read about the rise of the King of the North and King of the South. For you to identify these kings, you have to use Israel as the standpoint.
The King of the North, which is about northwest of Israel, would be the United States of Europe. On the other hand, the King of the North will be a confederation of Islamic countries such as Moab, Edom, Ammon (modern-day Jordan), Ethiopia, Libya, and Egypt.
Let’s read Daniel 11:40:
“In the time of the end, the king of the South shall launch an attack against him, and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and numerous ships. He shall invade countries, overpower them, and pass through.”
In analyzing this passage, we observe that the king of the South initiates a conflict against the king of the North. Why? The motive may stem from the Southern King’s desire to resurrect the former prominence of Islam in Europe. Historical evidence reveals Islamic empires once extending their influence across regions including Portugal, Spain, Eastern Europe, France, Italy, and Sicily.
Ultimately, the King of the South aspires to conquer Rome, a symbolic center of European Christianity.
The sequence unfolds as the king of the South initiates an attack against the king of the North. However, we witness their failure, with the king of the North retaliating and overcoming the king of the South, depicted as a swift and overwhelming force with chariots, horsemen, and many ships (Daniel 11:40).
This counteroffensive extends to the Glorious Land, identified as Jerusalem, signifying the reach of the revived Roman Empire emerging from Europe. The narrative continues with the king of the North’s conquest of numerous nations, although some, such as Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon, manage to escape his grasp (Daniel 11:41-42).
The king of the North’s dominion extends to the land of Egypt, where he exercises control over valuable resources, including treasures of gold and silver. The Libyans and Ethiopians are also noted to align with his influence (Daniel 11:43).
These verses suggest a scenario wherein Europe regains control over Jerusalem, a development that may not be well-received by other nations.
9. The Eastern Kings will wage war against the King of the North
In the aftermath of the intense conflict between the King of the North and the King of the South, global superpowers turn their attention to the Holy Land, sending ripples of concern through the eastern and northern regions. The prophetic account in Daniel 11:44-45 foretells a tumultuous period as the King of the North reacts with great fury, seeking to obliterate potential threats and extend dominance.
We read:
44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him. Daniel 11:44-45
Because the eastern and northern kingdoms are watching what was going on in the Holy Land, they will look for a way to counter the growing influence of the King of the North. However, before the eastern and northern kingdoms would perform an offensive, the King of the North will have a pre-emptive attack against these countries, which may include Russia, India, China, and other Asian countries.
Revelation 9:13-19 sheds more light on what will happen with these nations:
13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. 19 For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.
Revelation 9:17-19 actually describes modern military weaponry, acknowledging that the Apostle John, lacking knowledge of such advancements, uses simplistic terms for explanation.
Take note of the immense army amassed by the eastern kings – a staggering 200 million soldiers advancing towards Jerusalem! To put it in perspective, the United States, with the largest known military force of approximately 1.3 million, pales in comparison to the colossal army of the Kings of the East.
The question arises: How can the eastern kings muster such a massive force? The answer lies in a coalition of nations uniting to seize control of Jerusalem and assert global dominance. This alliance may extend beyond the Muslim countries east of Israel, possibly involving nations farther east, including Japan, India, and China, with the inclusion of others like Malaysia and Indonesia.
In the contemporary context, the world is aware of China’s substantial military presence, and given its alliance with Russia, there is speculation about Russia’s potential involvement in this conflict. Considering the enormous populations of these nations, the notion of fielding a 200-million-strong army in the future becomes plausible.
10. Opening of the first seal: Religious Deception
The book of Revelation is the final book of the Bible. As the last book of the Bible, it is understandable that its main focus is what will happen before, during, and after the return of our Messiah. Thus, we can find a lot of information from this portion of the Scripture.
Revelation talks about a peculiar scroll with seven seals (Revelation 5:1). To open this scroll, the seven seals need to be opened. Then, a strong angel asked an important question, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”
There’s no one worthy to open the scroll except for one:
4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. 5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” Revelation 5:4-5
No doubt, the only one who can open the scroll is Yahshua the Messiah, the Lamb slain to receive power and riches and wisdom (Revelation 5:12)!
Thus, the first seal needs to be opened. Here’s what the Bible tells us about the first seal:
1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Revelation 6:1-2
The first seal unravels the introduction of false religion, a theme echoed in the symbolism of the “four horsemen of the Apocalypse.”
Now, the first question you may ask is, “What does this horseman represent? Why does it seem that he looks like the returning King of kings, riding on a white horse, with crown and weapon?”
Well, there’s a good reason for that and that is this horseman intends to deceive the whole world. If you’re going to Revelation 19:11, Yahshua isn’t wearing one crown, but many crowns. He is not holding a bow, but a sword. Obviously, the first horseman of the apocalypse is a counterfeit!
This is the reason that Christ gave this warning in Matthew 24:4-5:
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
Did you see that? When asked by His disciples what would be the sign of His second coming, the first warning Jesus gave was religious deception!
Jesus forewarns of the initial threat being deceit, with impostors using His name to establish a pseudo-Christianity. He explains their methods, indicating the rise of false christs and false prophets performing signs and wonders to mislead, even attempting to deceive the elect. This aligns with the imagery of the first seal—a deceptive power appearing Christian but ultimately a force for evil.
Yes, we are seeing religious deception today. However, religious deception would intensify and would get worse and worse until the day Christ returned here on earth!
11. Opening of the second seal: Destructive War
In Revelation 6:3-4, we read:
3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.
The second seal reveals the horror of war. Picture this: as the Lamb opens the seal, out comes another horse, but this one is fiery red. The rider on it is granted the power to snatch away peace from the earth and cause people to kill one another. This rider is equipped with a big sword.
What does the second rider of Revelation symbolize?
The red color of the horse symbolizes blood — this means that there will be so much bloodshed when this rider starts to march in the future. There will be so much death that millions of people will die!
This only confirms what Yahshua already mentioned in the Olivet prophecy:
6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Matthew 24:6-8
When Jesus established the Church, the Roman Empire was in a relatively peaceful phase. However, this peace didn’t last long. Within a few decades, Rome was back in the throes of war. This pattern persisted, building up to a climax described as “the battle of that great day of God Almighty:”
14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Revelation 16:14
This will be the greatest and bloodiest war of all when the whole world unites to go against the coming Ruler from heaven. However, as hard as these people may try, they will never defeat the conquering King (Revelation 19:11-21).
12. The Third Seal: The Great Famine
We read in Revelation 6:5-6:
5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”
This prophecy corresponds to Christ’s warning in Matthew 24:7:
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
What does this all mean? Well, it’s like this: The black horse and the scales symbolize a time when food becomes very expensive. The prices could be about twelve times higher than normal. A quart of wheat, which is enough for one person for a day, will cost a lot. And barley, which is a cheaper food for the poor, will also be quite pricey. This situation leads to inflation, making it harder for people to buy the food they need.
Opening the third seal points to a time of severe famine, worse than anything we’ve seen before. This famine is so great that it will cause worldwide malnutrition, which would surely bring every nation to its knees.
13. The Fourth Seal: Deadly Pestilences
We read in Revelation 6:7-8:
7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.
Again, this is parallel to what Yahshua mentioned to His disciples:
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
So, when the fourth seal is opened in Revelation, it describes a pale and sickly-looking horse. The rider is named Death, and the grave (Hades) follows closely behind. Together, these represent the power to cause death on a large scale. How large? A fourth of the earth’s population!
Now, let’s stop here for a second. What is a fourth of the earth’s population? That would be about 2 billion people! That’s an unimaginable death toll. We already lament the death of hundreds, thousands, and millions. How much more the death of billions of people!
This is the cumulative effect of the four horsemen of Revelation. This death comes through various means: sword (war), famine, plague (deadly epidemics), and even wild beasts.
This fourth seal aligns with what Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24:7—specifically, the occurrence of “pestilence,” which refers to deadly epidemics and diseases. Jesus also talked about natural disasters like earthquakes, which can be connected to plagues causing widespread death.
Here’s the connection: Wars and disasters lead to famines and diseases, creating a cycle of destruction. In times of societal breakdown, even wild animals and disease carriers like rats or microscopic pathogens can become a threat.
As we approach the end times, we can expect these dire conditions to affect various nations and regions worldwide, impacting the faithful followers of God living among them. The situations in some places might resemble the challenges faced by ancient Israel in its last days, as God warned Jeremiah about the combined impact of sword, famine, and pestilence.
The key takeaway is that God doesn’t want His people to be caught off guard by these tragic events. Instead, He encourages them to look to Him for help and deliverance in the midst of challenging times!
14. The Fifth Seal: Religious Persecution
The first four seals are targeted to all the people in the world. However, the fifth seal would specifically target the people of God. We read in Revelation 6:9-11:
9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Symbolically pictured at the altar in God’s temple, those who have already given their lives as martyrs in His service are still waiting for the Day of the Lord, which would bring judgment on those who hate God, His ways and His servants.
So, why are they still waiting? Notice in verse 11, it says that there would still be a massive martyrdom of God’s faithful in the future!
Notice what Christ has to say about this fifth seal:
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
Matthew 24:9-12
The early Church had scarcely been established before persecution set in. Several of the letters of the apostles refer to the suffering and martyrdom of faithful members at the hands of the enemies of the Church. Most of the apostles met a violent and early death. The epistles of 2 Timothy and 2 Peter record the final encouraging thoughts of Paul and Peter as they awaited execution. Brutal persecution and harassment continued in the following decades and on into later centuries. And it will happen again.
If you read Revelation 13:15, people who refuse to worship “the image of the beast” in the last days will face the possibility of execution. The primary targets of this carnage will be those “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17).
15. The Sixth Seal: The Heavenly Signs will Appear
We read in Revelation 6:12-17:
12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Does this sound familiar? If you have read Christ’s own prediction of the future, you would certainly say, “Yes!” Let’s read Matthew 24:29-31:
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
The sixth seal is a major transition from the previous seals.
The concluding description of the sixth seal reveals what follows these heavenly signs:
“The kings of the earth, the influential individuals, the wealthy, the military commanders, the powerful, every slave, and every free person sought refuge in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They pleaded to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?'” (Revelation 6:15-17; compare Zephaniah 1:14-17).
Take note of the sequence of these three distinct events: first comes the tribulation, as detailed in the fifth seal; next, the heavenly signs occur, described in the sixth seal. Following the heavenly signs is the Day of the Lord, the day of God’s wrath.
The heavenly signs unfold after the onset of the tribulation but before the commencement of the Day of the Lord. The prophet Joel confirms this sequence: “I will display wonders in the heavens and on the earth: blood, fire, and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awe-inspiring day of the LORD comes” (Joel 2:30-31).
Understanding the sequence of the events is important here. Just before God’s wrath would come upon the earth, Satan would perform his final act. Notice Revelation 12:12:
12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”
This is a frightening thought for the people in the world. However, for the people of God, we should not be scared and lose hearts. There’s a promise given for us as we will later see.
16. God’s people will be protected
Satan will fight against God’s angelic beings. However, he will be defeated. Because of this, he will divert his attention to the people of God. We read in Revelation 12:13-17:
13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
In Revelation 12:14, God portrays a woman facing challenging times, persecuted by the devil. This woman is described as being “given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.”
This woman symbolizes the Church of God, a community of individuals begotten and guided by the Holy Spirit, living in obedience to God (Rom. 8:9, Acts 5:32). God assures His Church in Revelation 3:10:
10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Even Christ gave us the promise of protection in Luke 21:36:
36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The teachings of God’s Word make it evident that there is a prepared place for God’s Church — a sanctuary where the Church will be nurtured and shielded from the challenges preceding Christ’s Second Coming.
However, we must realize that even though there’s a place of safety, the Bible isn’t clear where this place of safety is. It doesn’t specifically mention that it will be a literal place for everyone.
Aside from that, the Bible clearly tells us that some of God’s people will still experience Satan’s persecution and wrath as we read in Revelation 12:17:
17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Yes, that will protect His people and sometimes, that protection may include physical death, which will ultimately deliver us from spiritual death.
17. The first and second beasts of the Revelation would appear
When the Book of Revelation is mentioned, thoughts about the Mark of the Beast, 666, and end-time prophecies often come to mind. The concept of the Mark of the Beast, in particular, has intrigued and puzzled many. Sadly, the question has led to various misconceptions. To shed light on this matter, let’s explore what the Bible really says about the mark of the beast.
To have a deeper understanding of the beasts of Revelation, we need to first read what it says in Revelation 13:11-18:
11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.
Revelation 13 introduces two distinct Beasts, each playing a crucial role in end-time events. The first Beast, covered in verses 1-10, symbolizes the Roman Empire—a dominant political authority empowered by the Dragon, identified as Satan.
The second Beast, discussed in verses 11-18, is known as the False Prophet. A pivotal moment is highlighted in Revelation 19:19-20, depicting the capture of the beast and the false prophet. Their deceptive actions, including compelling people to receive the mark of the beast and worshiping his image, lead to their ultimate fate—being cast alive into the lake of fire.
The interconnected nature of the two Beasts signifies a fusion of state and religious influence in the end time. The Roman Empire, through the false prophet, employs religion to control the world’s population. The mark of the Beast becomes a significant aspect, associated with those whose names are not recorded in the Book of Life. This distinction between the two Beasts provides a key to understanding the unfolding events in the prophetic narrative.
Now, if you wish to learn more about the two beasts, please read “7 Things You Should Know About the Mark of the Beast.”
18. The 144,000 will be sealed
The Bible talks about a special group of people who will be sealed and ensured eternal life. They are first introduced in Revelation 7:1-8:
1 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:
5 of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed;6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed;7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed;8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.
Then, they are once again mentioned in Revelation 14:1-5:
1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang as if it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Now, who are these 144,000 people? Many people have speculated on the identity of these people. However, here are some of their most prominent characteristics:
- They are sealed.
- They are the servants of God.
- They are of Israel (Physical and/or spiritual).
- They stand on Mount Zion.
- They sing a new song.
- They are undefiled spiritual virgins.
- They have victory over the beast.
- They follow the Lamb.
- They are redeemed.
- They are the firstfruits.
- They are without deceit.
- They came out from the great tribulation.
This is a huge topic, but my current personal understanding is that the 144,000 are the exact and precise number of who will be saved today. They are the firstfruits who will help Yahshua in establishing God’s Kingdom here on earth and will reign with Him for a thousand years.
I might write a deeper analysis of the true identity of the 144,000. So, stay tuned!
19. The Seven Trumpets Blown
Remember that in Revelation 5, there was a scroll that only Yahshua, the Lamb, could open. Now, this scroll is locked with seven seals. So far, we have only talked about the six seals. It’s time we talk about the seventh seal.
Here’s what’s amazing about the seventh seal — it represents seven trumpets! We are going to talk about the first six trumpets and more about the seventh trumpet later. Here’s a quick overview:
First trumpet
The first trumpet in Revelation 8:7 is associated with hail and fire mixed with blood, cast upon the earth. As a result, one-third of the trees are consumed, and all green grass is burned.
Second trumpet
The second trumpet in Revelation 8:8-9 involves the sounding of the second angel. It describes a great burning mountain-like object thrown into the sea, turning a third of the sea into blood. This catastrophic event results in the death of one-third of the sea’s living creatures and the destruction of one-third of the ships.
Third trumpet
The third trumpet, as described in Revelation 8:10-11, involves the sounding of the third angel. In this event, a great star falls from heaven, burning like a torch, and it lands on a third of the rivers and springs of water. This star is named Wormwood, and its impact causes a third of the waters to become bitter, leading to the death of many people who consume the contaminated water.
Fourth trumpet
The fourth trumpet, as described in Revelation 8:12-13, involves the sounding of the fourth angel. In this event, a third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck, causing them to be darkened. As a result, a third of both the day and the night are without their usual illumination. Following this trumpet blast, an angel pronounces three successive woes upon the inhabitants of the earth, indicating impending calamities associated with the remaining trumpet blasts of the following angels.
Fifth trumpet
The fifth trumpet, described in Revelation 9:1-12, involves the sounding of the fifth angel. In this event, a fallen star (which symbolizes an angel) is given the key to the bottomless pit, from which smoke arises, darkening the sun and air. Locusts emerge from the smoke, having the power to torment the people who don’t have the seal of God on their foreheads.
The torment lasts for five months, causing people to seek death unsuccessfully. The locusts have a unique appearance, resembling horses prepared for battle, with crowns, human-like faces, women’s hair, lions’ teeth, iron breastplates, and scorpion-like tails. Their king is named Abaddon or Apollyon. After this woe, two more woes are anticipated.
Sixth trumpet
The sixth trumpet, as described in Revelation 9:13-21, is sounded by the sixth angel. A voice from the golden altar instructs the angel to release four angels bound at the Euphrates River. These angels, prepared for a specific timeframe, are unleashed to kill one-third of humanity.
The army of horsemen associated with them numbers two hundred million and is depicted with fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow breastplates. The horses have heads like lions, and they emit fire, smoke, and brimstone from their mouths. These plagues cause significant casualties. Despite these catastrophic events, the remainder of humanity does not repent of their idolatry, murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, or thefts.
As you can see, the first six trumpets were meant to make mankind realize the mistake they are making. With the six trumpets, they should have seen the power of God and repented of their ways. Yet, in all these, a lot of people still chose to rebel against God.
20. The Two Witnesses
Before the coming of Yahshua the Messiah, God will raise for Himself two witnesses who will proclaim His Word. We read:
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. 3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. 6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.
Revelation 11:1-6
The two witnesses, like representatives of God, will call for repentance and perform miracles with the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Similar to Elijah, they can stop the rain and protect themselves from harm. Drawing parallels with Moses, they can turn water into blood and inflict plagues on the earth. However, their primary mission is not to cause suffering but to encourage people to turn their hearts to God, mirroring Elijah’s goal during a time of corruption in ancient Israel. The two witnesses will minister in a similarly corrupt world before the return of Christ.
We continue reading:
7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
Revelation 11:7-10
So, who are the two witnesses?
The interpretation that aligns most closely with the Scriptures suggests that the two witnesses will be two individuals prophesying in the spirit and power of Elijah throughout the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. Their mission will involve issuing a warning to the world, urging repentance for the violation of God’s laws, and invoking plagues as consequences for disobedience during their 3½-year preaching period.
My current personal understanding is that the two witnesses would be the same Moses and Elijah who lived thousands of years ago. God has the power to resurrect them to physical life to proclaim God’s end-time message to this world.
What’s amazing to note is that both bodies of Moses and Elijah were nowhere to be found because God hid them. So, this could be the reason that God Himself kept their bodies. Not only that but even Satan wanted to take the body of Moses.
We, then read in Revelation 11:11-13:
11 Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. 13 In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Upon concluding their 3½-year mission of spreading the gospel worldwide, the two witnesses will lose their divine protection and face death. The world’s rejoicing over their demise stems from a widespread dislike of their message of repentance. People resent being told that their actions are wrong, that they are sinning and need to change.
The anger intensifies due to the plagues inflicted upon them as consequences for refusing to repent. The two witnesses become the scapegoats for the suffering inflicted by these punishments, further fueling the world’s resentment.
However, this jubilation is short-lived, as God resurrects the two witnesses after 3½ days. Their enemies witness their revival and ascension to heaven, abruptly ending the celebration over their perceived defeat.
Now, here’s the most exciting part: when we see the death of the two witnesses, we just have to count three and a half days. We will then hear the final trumpet, which will announce the second coming of our Master and Savior, Yahshua the Messiah!
21. The Seventh Trumpet is blown — the Return of our Savior
The moment we’ve been waiting for has arrived—the return of Jesus Christ, signaling the establishment of the Kingdom of God. The seventh trumpet is the final trumpet to be blown and this is far the most significant sound you’ll ever hear!
We read:
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” Revelation 11:15
This joyous event prompts celebration and worship in heaven, with angels and saints expressing gratitude for God’s reign:
16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
“We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
Revelation 11:16-17
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
Aside from the return of Christ, there’s one important event that will happen during the Seventh Trumpet:
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O Death, where is your sting?
1 Corinthians 15:51-55
O Hades, where is your victory?”
So, along with the sound of the seventh trumpet, the dead in Christ will rise into glorious and immortal bodies!
For those who have passed away, it means victory over death and the fulfillment of their faith.
Paul emphasizes the significance of this occasion for those in the grave, explaining the transformation that will occur at the sound of the last trumpet. The dead will rise incorruptible, and the faithful will undergo a profound change, putting on immortality. This event fulfills the promise that “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
The Rest of the Story
Of course, we need to note that the coming of the Savior does not immediately bring universal joy. You may think that people will rejoice for the coming of the Messiah, but no!
In fact, they will gather together and fight against Yahshua. They don’t want His rule. After all, most people would like to be their own gods. They don’t want anyone telling them what to do!
Thus, if you read through the rest of Revelation, you will read how God would still pour down the seven bowls or seven last plagues on earth (Revelation 15-16).
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
When Christ returns, He will simply gather His elect and bring them to heaven for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
We read:
6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
9 Then he said to me, “Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
Revelation 19:6-9
The Returning of Yahshua with His Saints
Once the marriage supper of the Lamb is finished, then Yahshua and His saints will be coming back to earth as we read here:
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:11-16
After that, Yahshua and His saints will defeat the armies that gathered in the place called Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). We read more details of what will happen here:
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.”
19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
Revelation 19:17-21
Once the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies are crushed, God will then come after Satan and imprison him for a thousand years. We read:
1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.
Revelation 20:1-3
The 1,000-Year Reign
When Satan is bound and put away in the bottomless pit, God would then proceed to the next step — the start of the millennial reign:
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
Revelation 20:4-6
The millennium is a wonderful time in God’s plan of salvation. The saints who endured until the end turned into a spirit being during the last trumpet. They will then serve as kings and priests in God’s kingdom here on earth. They will teach the people on earth about God’s way of life while Satan is out of the picture and not able to influence anyone.
The Final Rebellion Crushed
However, after the millennium, Satan would then once again be released to test the people for a little while. Remember that in the millennium, everyone is doing God’s instruction. So, for the final test, Satan would go out and see who would rebel against God. Sadly, after living in the millennium, there are still incorrigibly wicked people who will choose to go fight God.
We read:
7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. 10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Revelation 20:7-10
As expected, the rebellion will not succeed and God will crush it. Satan would then finally be cast into the lake of fire and will never be able to influence mankind anymore.
The Rest of the Dead Coming Alive
After the millennium, there’s also one important event that needs to happen. That is giving everyone a chance for salvation. The Bible is clear: when a person who doesn’t know God dies in this lifetime, they will not go to hell and be burned there forever. Instead,
The Book of Revelation unveils a profound truth: individuals who have passed away without encountering Christ or understanding God’s way of life will experience a resurrection, providing them with an opportunity for eternal life. This marks the culmination of God’s overarching plan.
In the words of John:
“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire”.
Revelation 20:12-15
This resurrection pertains to “the rest of the dead [who] did not live again until the thousand years were finished,” as mentioned in Revelation 20:5. The vivid depiction of this resurrection, involving millions of individuals returning to physical, perishable life, can be found in Ezekiel 37:1-12.
According to Jesus, this resurrection encompasses people from various historical periods, such as the queen of the South (Sheba) from Solomon’s era, the inhabitants of the ancient Assyrian stronghold of Nineveh from Jonah’s time, and the people from the time of Christ (Matthew 12:41-42).
The judgment unfolds gradually as these resurrected individuals encounter and absorb God’s truth for the first time. Those who rise in this resurrection, and most are expected to repent according to the Scriptures, will receive God’s Spirit. We read that in Ezekiel 37:13-14:
13 Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’ ”
This resurrection represents a unique opportunity for salvation that these individuals had never experienced before.
The New Heaven and New Earth: God Dwells With Men
Throughout the ages, mankind has gone through so much pain and suffering because of sin. However, the grand plan of salvation of God includes saving mankind from itself.
We have seen how various Biblical prophecies point to Yahshua’s second resurrection. However, it doesn’t stop there. After the millennial reign, God will resurrect billions of people who have ever lived, from Adam to the last person who has ever lived. They will be given a chance to know God’s way of life.
Once all people who are saved are given eternal life, everyone will already be a spirit being. God will cleanse the earth with great fire that will melt the elements. After the cleansing, a new heaven and new earth will emerge.
The New Jerusalem would then descend from heaven as we read here:
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God.
Revelation 21:10-11
After the New Jerusalem comes down, then God the Father, Yahweh, the Most High God will finally dwell with men:
1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:1-4
This is the greatest and most wonderful story you can ever read in your life. The story of mankind’s rebellion and God’s love and grace culminate in the incredible time when all things are made new. There will be no more pain, no suffering, and no more death!
With God dwelling with men, we can all live a peaceful, harmonious, and delightful life. Thus, it is not difficult to see why King David wrote:
11 You will show me the path of life;
Psalms 16:11
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Can you just imagine what that means? In God’s presence, our joy will be full and there will be pleasures that you won’t only experience for one day, two months, or three years. The pleasure God will give will not be temporary, but FOREVERMORE!
Preparing for the Glorious Day
Now that you are aware of the prophecies awaiting fulfillment before the arrival of Yahshua, the responsibility lies with us to determine how this newfound knowledge and understanding should shape our lives. However, let me tell you what our response should be — we should be living this life preparing for the glorious day of the coming Kingdom of God.
Whether you like it or not, Christ will be coming back. Whether you know it or not, it doesn’t change the fact that He will one day step into human affairs and rule this world.
Yahshua Himself said:
12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
Revelation 22:12-13
We should live each day of our lives knowing that Yahshua will return someday. We should not think that we have all the time in the world. Remember, even if Yahshua will not return next year or in the next decade, you never know when your life is up. Christ’s return is as close as your last breath.
Thus, it is not enough to simply believe in God, rather, we need to couple our belief, trust, and faith with actions. It is not because we are trying to earn our salvation, but rather, out of gratitude and love for God, we follow His will for our lives and fulfill His purpose.
Our life’s mantra should always be Matthew 6:33:
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
What you are and what you have will all come to pass. Everything that you see in this life will soon fade away — some sooner while others later.
So, why do we put our hope in this world? Why do we spend so much time on things that will not last? Why do we often choose the temporary over the permanent?
Bible prophecies are not here to scare you. They are here to give us warning. They are here to help us prepare for the coming Kingdom of God. Most importantly, they are here to give us a living hope that all things will eventually be alright.
No matter how hard life gets, always remember the light at the end of the tunnel. Just like Christ’s apostles who thought everything is over after the death of their Master. Yet, when the stone was rolled and the tomb was empty, they developed newfound boldness, courage, and faith that even death can never destroy.
Stay faithful. Stay alert. Stay close to the Father.
It won’t be long now when we will hear the last trumpet sound and the glorious day of God will appear. On that day, you will be glad that you have lived all your life preparing for this day. You will stand before the judgment seat of Yahshua and hear these most precious and wonderful words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your lord.’”
May God speed that day!
