End Times Bible Prophecy Series 2
Grow Your Understanding of What Will Happen at The End as Described in the Bible
What Will You Learn?
The Rapture: Theological Interpretations and Scriptural Basis
The Great Tribulation: Timeline (When do these events occur as written in the Bible)
What Is the Rapture?
The Rapture refers to the belief that Jesus Christ will return to take believers, both the living and the resurrected dead, to be with Him. This event is often described as happening suddenly, without warning, and separate from Christ's second coming in glory to judge the world.
The word rapture comes from the Latin word rapturo, meaning “caught up,” which is derived from the Greek word harpazō (ἁρπάζω) found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17:
“Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (ESV)
Key Scriptural Basis for the Rapture
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 – Describes the Lord descending from heaven and the faithful being "caught up."
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 – Paul speaks of a mystery: the dead will be raised and the living changed "in the twinkling of an eye."
John 14:1–3 – Jesus tells His disciples He is preparing a place and will return for them.
Matthew 24:40–42 – Two men in a field; one is taken, one left—often cited as a rapture reference.
Revelation 3:10 – Refers to being kept "from the hour of trial"—used in Pre-Tribulation arguments.
Remember, it is important to come to your own conclusion on when the rapture occurs. There is only 1 correct answer, and that is what the Bible tells us (without us manipulating scripture and taking it at face value).
Theological Interpretations of the Rapture
There are several interpretations within Christian theology, largely based on how one understands the timing of the Rapture in relation to the Tribulation (a period of great suffering before Christ’s return):
1. Pre-Tribulation Rapture
Believers are taken before the 7-year Tribulation.
Popular in dispensationalist circles and popularized by books like Left Behind.
Supported by interpretations of Revelation 3:10 and the idea that God spares the church from wrath. (More on this later)
2. Mid-Tribulation Rapture
The Rapture occurs at the midpoint of the Tribulation (3.5 years in).
Believers face the first half’s persecution but are spared the worst judgments.
3. Post-Tribulation Rapture
Believers go through the full Tribulation and are raptured just before Christ returns.
Tied closely with Matthew 24 and Revelation 20.
Emphasizes the refining of faith through suffering.
4. Pre-Wrath Rapture
A nuanced view: the Rapture occurs just before God’s final outpouring of wrath, but after much of the Tribulation.
Balances divine protection with human endurance.
This is the correct way to interpret the rapture, and we will keep unpacking this more as we move through this series.
The main point to understand is that we will be here for the tribulation (the seals: war, famine, death..), but we will be taken out before God’s Wrath (the trumpets and the Bowls). God will not have his believers here for those things.
There are 2 things to pay attention to here that many get confused about
Satan’s Wrath is not the same as God’s wrath
Satan’s wrath is the tribulation (Wars, famine, death, antichrist) , the period leading up to the trumpets
God’s Wrath occurs when the trumpets sound and he pours his bowls out on the Earth
We will be studying this more as we move through the series, but this is a great starting point if you are confused. (A simple reading of Revelation will outline this for you to see.)
Why This Matters
Understanding the Rapture effects:
How you interpret Scripture
How you live day to day (urgency, preparedness)
How do you teach others about end-times events
How churches approach mission and evangelism
If you believe the rapture occurs before the tribulation, you can still be a true follower of Christ, but it is helpful not to be in denial about this in case you are living on the Earth at the time, so you can better prepare.
If you have already left the earth prior (Death), then this won’t mean as much to you, but it is still important to help others understand (future generations), as we do not know when this will occur, nor will we have an exact date or time.
Action Plan: Studying the Rapture
For those of you who want to take this a little bit further we have a study plan below.
Here’s a practical 5-week plan to help you start interpreting end times prophecy with confidence and wisdom.
Week 1: Foundations of Hermeneutics
Read: 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Luke 24:25–27
Action: Study a guide on biblical interpretation (e.g., How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Fee & Stuart)
Week 2: Explore Old Testament Prophecy
Read: Daniel 7–12, Ezekiel 37–39
Action: Create a chart comparing symbols and visions in Daniel and Revelation.
Week 3: Learn from Jesus’ Prophecies
Read: Matthew 24–25, Luke 21
Action: Note which parts are historically fulfilled and which are still future.
Week 4: Dive into Revelation
Read: Revelation 1–11
Action: Journal symbols, cross-references, and emotional responses. What seems literal? What seems symbolic?
Week 5: Finish Revelation + Reflect
Read: Revelation 12–22
Action: Write a short reflection on what Christ’s return means for how you live today.
LESSON 2: The Great Tribulation: Timeline (When do these events occur as written in the Bible)
The Bible talks about a future time called the Great Tribulation. It's a seven-year period filled with war, disasters, and global suffering. Many Christians believe this happens just before Jesus returns to earth. The Bible gives us clues about when these things take place and how long they last.
Here’s a step-by-step look at the timeline.
1. The Tribulation Begins with a Peace Agreement
The first major sign happens in Daniel 9:27. It says a powerful leader will make a peace agreement with many people. This starts a 7-year period. Many believe this leader will be the Antichrist.
“He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.’” (Daniel 9:27)
The word "seven" here means seven years. At first, things may seem peaceful. Some people might even think the world is finally getting better. But that peace won’t last.
2. The First 3.5 Years: Growing Tension
During the first half (the first 3.5 years), things may look calm on the surface. But under the surface, pressure is building. Revelation 6 talks about this stage like the opening of seals. These seals bring war, famine, and death.
This is also the time when two special witnesses may appear in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:3). They preach about God, warn the people, and perform miracles. But many ignore them.
“They will prophesy for 1,260 days…” (Revelation 11:3)
1,260 days is 3.5 years. At the end of this time, something major happens.
3. Middle Point: The Abomination of Desolation
Right in the middle of the 7 years, things change fast. The peaceful agreement breaks. The Antichrist does something shocking—he enters the temple in Jerusalem and claims to be God. This is called the abomination of desolation.
“When you see... the abomination of desolation... let those in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Matthew 24:15-16)
This is a turning point. From here on, everything gets worse. Jesus warns that the next 3.5 years will be the worst time in human history.
4. The Last 3.5 Years: The Great Tribulation
This second half is the Great Tribulation. It's described in detail in Revelation chapters 6 through 19. The Antichrist rules the world. He forces everyone to take a mark to buy or sell (Revelation 13:16-17). Anyone who refuses is hunted.
God also sends judgments—natural disasters, disease, and more. These are described as trumpets and bowls of wrath. Here are a few examples:
Water turns to blood
The sun burns people
A great earthquake shakes the earth
Hailstones fall from the sky
“There will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world...” (Matthew 24:21)
It’s a time of suffering, but it won’t last forever.
5. The End of the Tribulation: Jesus Returns
After the 7 years, Jesus comes back. This is called the Second Coming. He defeats the Antichrist and saves those who believe in Him.
“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds...” (Matthew 24:30)
Revelation 19 describes Jesus riding on a white horse. He brings justice, ends evil, and begins His kingdom on earth.
6. Then What?
After the Tribulation ends, Jesus rules for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4). This time is called the Millennial Kingdom. It's a time of peace, where Jesus reigns on earth.
ACTION PLAN FOR STUDYING THE TRIBULATION
1. Start with Jesus’ Words (Matthew 24)
What to do:
Read Matthew 24 slowly, at least twice.
Make a list of the events Jesus mentions (wars, famines, deception, etc.).
Pay close attention to verses 15–31 — that’s where Jesus talks directly about the Tribulation.
Why it matters:
This is one of the clearest places where Jesus explains what will happen before He returns.
2. Go Back to the Old Testament (Daniel 7, 9, and 12)
What to do:
Read Daniel 9:24–27 — this shows the 7-year timeline.
Then read Daniel 7 and 12 for more about the Antichrist and the end times.
Write down time references (like “time, times, and half a time” or “1290 days”).
Why it matters:
Daniel gives the background for the Tribulation and the “abomination of desolation.”
3. Walk Through Revelation (Chapters 6–19)
What to do:
Read a little each day (1 chapter per day is good).
Keep notes: Who’s doing what? What’s happening on earth? What judgments are falling?
Focus on chapters 6, 11, 13, and 16 for key moments.
Why it matters:
This section shows what happens during the 7 years and how it all ends.
4. Create a Timeline Chart
What to do:
Draw a line showing 7 years.
Mark key events:
Peace agreement (start)
Abomination (middle)
Jesus returns (end)
Add any dates or time lengths the Bible gives (like 1,260 days, 42 months).
Why it matters:
Seeing it visually helps you connect where each verse fits in the timeline.
5. Reflect and Pray About What It Means for You
What to do:
Ask: How should I live knowing this is coming?
Read 2 Peter 3 — it talks about how we should live as we wait.
Pray for understanding, and ask God to help you stay awake spiritually.
Why it matters:
Studying the Tribulation isn't just about knowing facts. It’s about being ready.