Questions About the End Times: The 100 Most Frequently Asked Questions About the End Times

By S. Michael Houdmann

Wars and rumors of wars, blood moons, natural disasters, the onslaught of terrorism, spreading heresiesthe news is filled with reports of such things. But which of them are truly signs of the times, according to biblical prophecy?

God says, I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come (Isaiah 46:10). The One who knows the future has revealed much about it in His Word, the Bible.

This book contains one hundred questions concerning the end times, answered from a biblical perspective. How can I understand the book of Revelation? What is Israels role? What is the rapture? Should I be worried about 666? Are we living in the end times? We dont have all the details of what will happen, but this book will point you consistently to the Bible for answers. The student of Scripture should have an advantage when it comes to prophecy: You, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief (1 Thessalonians 5:4).

Eschatology is a fascinating and beneficial study. Following current events is sometimes like watching pieces of a puzzle fall into place. We know Gods purposes will stand and what He has decreed will come to pass.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jun 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490877990

S. Michael Houdmann

S. Michael Houdmann is the President and Founder of Got Questions Ministries, the parent ministry for www.GotQuestions.org, one of the most frequently visited Christian websites in the world. He possesses a BA in Biblical Studies from Calvary Bible College and an MA in Christian Theology from Calvary Theological Seminary.

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Copyright © 2015 S. Michael Houdmann.

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Unless otherwise noted, Scriptures are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. (www.zondervan.com). The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ All rights reserved.

Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scriptures marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-7798-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-7799-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015906621

WestBow Press rev. date: 6/19/2015

Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface

Introduction—The Ultimate Question

1. Questions about End-Times Prophecy

2. Questions about Signs of the End Times

3. Questions about Israel and the End Times

4. Questions about the Rapture

5. Questions about the Antichrist and False Prophet

6. Questions about the Tribulation

7. Questions about God’s Judgments

8. Questions about End-Times Battles

9. Questions about the Second Coming and Millennial Reign

10. Miscellaneous Questions about the End Times

Appendix—Statement of Faith

Endnotes

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

T HIS BOOK IS dedicated to the more than 500 individuals who have served as volunteer writers for Got Questions Ministries in the past thirteen years. Their hard work, commitment, and passion are what make this ministry possible.

Special thanks goes to Kevin Stone, Rebekah Largent, MeLissa Houdmann, Kristi-Joy Matovich, and Gwen Sellers who contributed greatly to this volume in writing, editing, organizing, and indexing. Also to Dianna Gay for helping with in-book design and image creation.

All the glory goes to God, For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen (Romans 11:36).

PREFACE

E VERY DAY, MORE and more people turn to the Internet to find answers to their questions about spiritual matters. Topics related to spirituality are the second-most searched subjects online. Sadly, websites that present false teachings far outnumber those that proclaim the truth of God’s Word.

In February of 2002, www.gotquestions.org was launched to help fill this gap and meet the needs of millions of spiritually-minded Web surfers. Since our launch, we have personally answered over 375,000 questions that have been submitted to us. Tens of millions of people have found answers to their questions via our Frequently Asked Questions archives, giving us a unique understanding of what questions are truly on people’s minds.

This volume is a collection of the most important and/or most frequently asked questions about the end times. Each question is answered directly from the Bible, if the Bible specifically addresses the particular issue. Where the Bible is silent on an issue, biblical principles are used to lead to a solid and correct understanding. The Lord Jesus Christ is our passion, and declaring His Word is our mission.

Mission Statement of Got Questions Ministries:

Got Questions Ministries seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by providing biblical, applicable, and timely answers to spiritually-related questions.

INTRODUCTION—

THE ULTIMATE QUESTION

Question: How can I guarantee my eternal destination?

Answer: Let’s face it. The day that each of us will step into eternity may come sooner than we think. In preparation for that moment, we need to know this truth: not everyone is going to heaven. How can we know for sure that we are one of those who will spend eternity in heaven? Some 2,000 years ago, the apostles Peter and John were preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to a large crowd in Jerusalem. It was then that Peter made a profound statement that resonates even in our post-modern world: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Even as it was then, in today’s all ways lead to heaven climate, this is not a politically correct message. There are many who think they can have heaven without having Jesus. They want the good promises of glory, but they don’t want to be bothered by the cross—much less the One who hung there and died for the sins of all. Many don’t want to accept Jesus as the only way and are determined to find another path. But Jesus Himself warns that no other path exists and the consequence for not accepting this truth is an eternity in hell. He has told us plainly, Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him (John 3:36).

Some will argue that it’s extremely narrow-minded of God to provide only one way to heaven. But, frankly, in light of mankind’s rebellious rejection of God, it’s extremely broad-minded of Him to provide us with any way to heaven. We deserve judgment, and instead He gave us an escape by sending His only begotten Son to die for our sins. Whether someone sees this as narrow or broad, it’s the truth, and Christians need to maintain the clear, untarnished message that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ.

Many people today have believed a watered-down gospel that does away with the message of repentance of sin. They want to believe in a loving, nonjudgmental God who requires no repentance and no change in their lifestyle. They may say things like, I believe in Jesus Christ, but my God is not judgmental. My God would never send a person to hell. But we cannot have it both ways. If we profess to be Christians, we must recognize Christ for who He said He is—the one and only way to heaven. To deny that is to deny Jesus Himself, for it was He who declared, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).

The question remains: who will actually enter into God’s kingdom? How can I guarantee my eternal destination? The answer is seen in the clearly drawn distinction between those who have eternal life and those who do not. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:12). Those who believe in Christ, who have accepted His sacrifice in payment of their sins, and who follow Him in obedience will spend eternity in heaven. Those who reject Him will not. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son (John 3:18).

As wonderful as heaven will be for those who choose Jesus Christ as Savior, hell will be that much more awful for those who reject Him. Our message to the lost would be delivered with more urgency if we understood what the holiness of God will do to those who have rejected the full provision of forgiveness in His Son, Jesus Christ. One cannot read the Bible seriously without seeing it over and over again—the line is drawn. The Bible is very clear that there is one and only one way to heaven, and that is through Jesus Christ. He has given us this warning: Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:13–14).

There is only one way to heaven, and those who follow that way are guaranteed to get there. But not everyone is following that way. Are you?

Have you made a decision to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior because of what you have read here? If so, please send us an email at [e-mail], and we will send you some information to help you start your new life in Christ!

Chapter 1

QUESTIONS ABOUT END-

TIMES PROPHECY

Contents

What is Christian eschatology?

What is going to happen according to end-times prophecy?

What does the Bible say about the end of the world?

How can we trust that biblical prophecy can indeed predict the future?

Have any aspects of end-times prophecy been fulfilled?

What is the day of the Lord?

What are the seventy weeks/seventy sevens of Daniel?

What is the abomination of desolation?

Why must Elijah return before the end times (Malachi 4:5–6)?

What did Jesus mean when He said, This generation will not pass?

Who or what is the whore of Babylon/mystery Babylon?

What is the Apocalypse?

What is the Olivet Discourse?

How can I understand the book of Revelation?

Question: What is Christian eschatology?

Answer: Eschatology, literally the science of last things, is the study of what the Bible says is going to happen in the end times. Many treat eschatology as an area of theology to be avoided. It is true that eschatology is not as crucial as Christology or soteriology, but that does not mean it is unimportant to a biblical worldview. How we understand eschatology impacts how we live our lives. After all, those who believe Jesus could return at any moment are more prone to be on the watch (Luke 21:36) than those who don’t believe He’s coming back at all.

Some of the Old Testament books often studied in eschatology are Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Joel, and Zechariah. Important eschatological passages in the New Testament include Mark 13, Luke 21, Matthew 24—25, and Revelation 4—22. Here are some important issues in eschatology:

1. What is the rapture? The word rapture does not occur in the Bible, but the concept is clearly taught. Who will be taken in the rapture? How can they be ready?

2. When is the rapture going to occur in relation to the tribulation? Will the rapture occur before the tribulation, in the middle of the tribulation, or at the end of the tribulation?

3. What is the second coming, and why is it important? Why is it so important for Jesus Christ to return? When is Christ going to return? What will be the signs of Christ’s return?

4. Who is the Antichrist? What are the signs showing the appearance of the Antichrist?

5. What will happen during the tribulation? What is the purpose of the tribulation?

6. What is God’s plan for Israel in the future? Will the ancient promises be fulfilled literally, or have the promises to the Jews been transferred to the church?

7. Is the millennium literal or figurative? Who will be living on the earth during that time?

Eschatology helps us to understand the Bible’s prophetic passages and how to live our lives in response to what God is going to do in the end times. There is a great deal of controversy in eschatology, but that does not relieve us of our responsibility to study and understand what the Bible teaches about the end times. In fact, the book of Revelation promises a blessing to those who preach about it and those who personally apply its prophecies: Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near (Revelation 1:3).

An understanding of biblical eschatology should eliminate many of the fears we have about the future. Our God is sovereign, He has a plan, and it will all unfold according to His perfect will and timing. No matter how much evil seems to be winning, we know who wins in the end (Revelation 11:15). This is a great encouragement to those who are in Christ (Titus 2:13)!

Question: What is going to happen according to end-times prophecy?

Answer: The Bible has a lot to say about the end times. Nearly every book of the Bible contains prophecy regarding the end times. Taking all of these prophecies and organizing them can be difficult. The following is a very brief summary of what the Bible declares will happen in the end times:

1. Christ will remove all born-again believers from the earth in an event known as the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Corinthians 15:51–54). At the judgment seat of Christ, these believers will be rewarded for good works and faithful service during their time on earth or will lose rewards, but not eternal life, for lack of service and obedience (1 Corinthians 3:11–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

2. The Antichrist (the Beast) will come into power and will sign a covenant with Israel for seven years (Daniel 9:27). This seven-year period is known as the tribulation. During the tribulation, there will be terrible wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters. God will be pouring out His wrath against sin and wickedness. The tribulation will include the appearance of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the seven seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments.

3. About halfway through the seven years, the Antichrist will break the peace covenant with Israel and make war against that nation. The Antichrist will commit the abomination of desolation and set up an image of himself to be worshipped in the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3–10), which will have been rebuilt. The second half of the tribulation is known as the great tribulation (Revelation 7:14) and the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7).

4. At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist will launch a final attack on Jerusalem, culminating in the battle of Armageddon. Jesus Christ will return, destroy the Antichrist and his armies, and cast them into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11–21). Christ will then bind Satan in the Abyss for 1,000 years, and He will rule His earthly kingdom for this 1,000-year period (Revelation 20:1–6).

5. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7–10) for eternity. Christ then judges all unbelievers (Revelation 20:11–15) at the great white throne judgment, casting them all into the lake of fire. Christ will then usher in a new heaven and new earth and the New Jerusalem—the eternal dwelling place of believers. There will be no more sin, sorrow, or death (Revelation 21—22).

Question: What does the Bible say about the end of the world?

Answer: The event usually referred to as the end of the world is described in 2 Peter 3:10: The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. This is the culmination of a series of events called the day of the Lord, the time when God will intervene in human history for the purpose of judgment. At that time, God will destroy all that He has created, the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

The timing of this event, according to most Bible scholars, is at the end of the 1,000-year period called the millennium or 1,000-year reign. During these 1,000 years, Christ will reign on earth as King in Jerusalem, sitting on the throne of David (Luke 1:32–33) and ruling in peace but with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15 KJV). At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released, defeated permanently, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7–10). Then, after a final judgment by God, the end of the world described in 2 Peter 3:10 occurs.

The Bible tells us several things about this event. First, it will be cataclysmic in scope. The heavens refers to the physical universe—the stars, planets, and galaxies—which will be consumed by some kind of tremendous explosion, possibly a nuclear or atomic reaction that will consume and obliterate all matter as we know it. All the elements that make up the universe will be melted in the fervent heat (2 Peter 3:12 KJV). This will also be a noisy event, described in different Bible versions as a roar (NIV and NASB), or a great noise (KJV and NKJV).

Then God will create a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1), which will include the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2), the capital city of heaven, a place of perfect holiness, which will come down from heaven to the new earth. This is the city where the saints—those whose names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 13:8)—will live forever. Peter refers to this new creation as the home of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13).

Perhaps the most important part of Peter’s teaching about that day is his question in 2 Peter 3:11–12: "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of