What is going to happen during the end times? Part 1
Over the years I have noticed that nothing brings in more new people to a preaching series than when I have preached on the end times events. Most people come because they wonder if we are really entering the time of Jesus’ return. Some attend because they have a desire to know the future. When we study God’s Word, what is going to happen during the end times?
Others come because they are just curious about what the Bible teaches about it. However, what I most often encounter is that there is a lot of confusion about what happens in the end times. Therefore, a series that covers end times Bible chronology will clear up what is going to happen during the end times.
Is there time periods involved in the end times?
From the beginning of the Bible until the end there are references to events that will happen in the future. In Genesis 1:5 we find that time is measured in days. Some suggest that these were time periods of certain lengths that we do not know much about. But the Hebrew word used for the English word day is the word “yom”. Yom refers to a period of daylight contrasted with nighttime in a 24-hour period (Genesis 8:22) (1).
God is not personally bound by time
Some people will use 2 Peter 3:8 as a reason to interpret the word day as a time period that can vary. When we read the verse in context, we find that the topic was about people who scoff at end times events despite having events in the past that took place at specific times. The reference in 2 Peter 3:8 is not about redefining a day on earth. It is about the fact that God is eternal, without beginning or end that is measured in days. Therefore, if we consider eternity in the reality of God, there are no established boundaries or measures of time. This is because God is not limited or measurable by time or space.
God had reasons to establish time on earth
Although God is not bound by time, He created a mechanism of time to be used by mankind on earth. We find this mechanism described in Genesis 1:14 when God established the lights from the heavenly bodies to measure day from night, for signs, for seasons, and for days and years.
In God’s plan for humanity, He also established the periods of time to be used for specific reasons. Even so, in light of eternity, the days in which we live are, but a brief “vapour of time” created by God for humanity that floats on an endless sea of His eternity (James 4:11-17).
So, if God then established a present period of measurable time for humanity, then it is also clear from Genesis 1:14 that there are established time periods. Some are for creation and others for Biblical events. This makes it clear from Scripture that God has a plan for humanity that is on a time schedule. He has also determined the time to be adequate to complete His plan and then time will end (Hebrews 1:1-12; 2 Peter 3:9-15; Revelation 10:5-7).
Some consider link time periods with dispensations
Some people refer to these set time periods for creation and Biblical events as dispensations. They consider that the time periods were defined as period when God would dispense or make things happen. However, careful examination of the word dispensation teaches us that dispensations are more directly related to management or stewardship of activities and events. Measurable time was not always a limiting factor (1 Corinthians 9:17; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:25) (2).
Some worship activities occurred during specific times
However, some of these activities and events often do occur at specific times. For example, there was a dispensation that God wanted humanity to sacrifice lambs for Passover, but that dispensation and the time period in which they occurred is over. We no longer sacrifice lambs for Passover. This is because the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, Jesus, has been sacrificed to end that dispensation (John 1:29-36).
Some time periods were linked to generational events
Likewise, if you study the generations listed in Matthew 1, you see that there were 42 generations, between certain human ancestors of the Lord. These were broken down into specific evens 14 generations apart. If we compare these generations to the teachings of Psalms 90:10, we do find a time element of 70 years and 80 years listed. If the time element of 70 years is used, they are historically relatable in the number of years between the 14 generations events broken out in Matthew 17.
Some time periods were linked to have numerical significance
Looking at it from a different perspective, if we consider the generations listed in Luke 3:23-38, we see there were 75 generations going back from Jesus to Adam. If you go forward 2000 years from when Jesus was crucified in 33 AD to 2033 AD using 80 years per generation in Psalms 90:10, it comes 25 generations. Combined the list in Luke and the 2000 years since Jesus was crucified totals 100 generations.
The signs of the Lord should be our focus
We cannot say there is a numerical significance in 100 generations. We do not know if God has anything in mind for 2033 or it just starts a new generation. In any case, only God knows, and Jesus told the Jews in Mark 13:9-31 the times they live in and any signs they see in should inspire and encourage them.
Mark 13:24-31. “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. 28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.”
Final Thoughts
As these events have taken place, we know from Scripture that there are more to come. However, it is the actual events that are the focus, not the periods of time. Unfortunately, too many people try to predict when these events will occur using time as their gauge. We must be looking at the signs that are near, but stating focused on serving the Lord and sharing His message of salvation (Genesis 1:14; Matthew 24:32-51; Mark 13:28-37; Luke 21:7-28).
The question now becomes, what are we doing for the Lord to share His message with the world? What encouragement and service can we provide to others, so they want to learn more about Christ? Will they fall in love with Him, because we demonstrated His love to them?
Continue to Part 2 of this series, to read more about the Jewish spring feasts that Jesus fulfilled at His first coming. May God bless us in our study.
Series parts
What is Going to Happen During the End Times? Article Series
Part 1 – Introduction to what is going to happen during the end times
Part 2 – Jewish spring feasts Jesus fulfilled at His first coming
Part 3 – Jewish fall feasts Jesus will fulfill at His second coming: Feast of Trumpets
Part 4 – Jewish fall feasts Jesus will fulfill continued: Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles
Part 5 – Final review of what is going to happen during the end times
Resources – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Williams, Michael, (2013). Bible Doctrines. Albuquerque, NM: Selah Mountain Bible Institute. Chapters 15-16. (1) Vine, W. E., Merrill F. Unger, and William White. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: With Topical Index. “Day” Pages 54-55. Nashville: T. Nelson, 1996. Print. (2)Vine, W. E., Merrill F. Unger, and William White. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: With Topical Index. “Dispensation” Pages 174. Nashville: T. Nelson, 1996. Print.
Dr. Michael L. Williams, Head of Ministry Operations and Technology at Christianity Every Day, is a Christ-centered Author, Educator, Biblical Counselor and Advisor. He is ordained in Pastoral Ministry and formerly the founding Pastor of Selah Mountain Ministries, a church started along with his wife, Pamela Rose, after several years of pastoral experience and training in Biblical Counseling. Selah Mountain provided Biblical counseling and education to the public on how to overcome life issues Biblically on topics such as anger management, marriage, addictions, and other subjects – often referred to as mental illnesses. To learn more about Dr. Mike visit the About page.
