End Times Bible Prophecy Series 1
Grow Your Understanding of What Will Happen at The End as Described in the Bible
Foundational Understanding
The Biblical Framework of Eschatology
Interpreting End Times Prophecy: Hermeneutical Principles (How do you interpret scripture)
LESSON 1: The Framework of Eschatology
Eschatology, derived from the Greek words eschatos (last) and logos (word or discourse), refers to the study of "last things" or the end times. In the Bible, eschatology is not a fringe topic reserved for speculative theology—it is a central thread woven throughout Scripture, offering hope, judgment, renewal, and the fulfillment of God's promises.
This article outlines the biblical framework of eschatology, highlighting key themes, pivotal texts, interpretive approaches, and real-life examples of how eschatological truths shape Christian living. It concludes with a practical study plan for those who wish to explore this theological area more deeply.
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1. The Grand Narrative: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation
Biblical eschatology cannot be properly understood without recognizing its place within the narrative of Scripture.
Creation (Genesis 1–2): God created a good world with order, purpose, and fellowship between Himself and mankind.
Fall (Genesis 3): Sin entered the world, corrupting God's creation and breaking that fellowship.
Redemption (Genesis 12 through the Gospels): God initiates His plan of redemption, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Consummation (Revelation 21–22): The story ends not with destruction but with restoration—a new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with His people.
Eschatology belongs to this final movement. It is not about escapism, but fulfillment. It brings the redemptive story to completion.
NOTE: It is important to understand that these end time events “have not taken place yet” . They are still to come so we are essentially living through the written words of the Bible everyday.
Argument: People will make the case that these things have already occurred in a way to justify their position or a way to try to discredit Christ as being a false prophet all of which are incorrect. (We will explore this more as we go)
2. Major Themes in Biblical Eschatology
a. The Day of the Lord
This phrase recurs throughout the Old and New Testaments, signaling a decisive moment when God intervenes in history to judge evil and deliver His people (see Joel 2:1–11, Amos 5:18–20, 1 Thessalonians 5:2). It points to both near and ultimate events—such as historical judgments on nations and the final return of Christ.
b. Resurrection and Judgment
In Daniel 12:2, we read: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” This anticipates the New Testament’s clearer teaching that all will be raised, and all will be judged (see John 5:28–29; Revelation 20:11–15). The bodily resurrection is central to biblical hope, not merely a disembodied existence.
c. The Kingdom of God
Jesus’ proclamation that “the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15) reveals that eschatology begins with His first coming. Yet, the kingdom is also not yet fully manifest. This "already/not yet" tension defines Christian life in the present age—we live between Christ’s resurrection and His return.
Important: Christ was already resurrected (This prophecy happened already) .. so we are now looking for the signs of his Return (this has not happened yet).
d. The Return of Christ
The Second Coming is perhaps the most recognized eschatological event. In passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and Revelation 19, we see a triumphant, visible, and personal return of Christ to defeat evil, raise the dead, and establish justice.
e. New Heaven and New Earth
Eschatology ends not with annihilation but restoration. Revelation 21–22 paints a vivid picture: “Behold, I am making all things new.” The final hope of believers is not evacuation from the earth but the renewal of all creation, echoing Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 65:17).
3. Interpretive Approaches
Christian traditions interpret eschatological texts in various ways. Here are four common views: (I like you to know these so you can start for form your position)
Which ever you choose to believe does not make you any less of a true believer but I encourage you to take the time to understand each position then compare it to “what scripture is actually saying” vs. what makes you feel better. (This may sound harsh but if you take scripture as it is written you can better prepare yourself if you happen to be here for the end times events.)
At the very least you want to know what to look for and not be under the impression that something won’t happen or take the “that already happened” approach as you will see these end times events have not occurred yet.
Important: No one knows the exact time or date and anyone who predicts this is going to be wrong. Why? The Bible says “Only God knows the day and time (Not even Jesus is privy to this information).
Amillennialism: Believes the "millennium" in Revelation 20 is symbolic of Christ's reign through the church age, culminating in His return and final judgment.
Premillennialism: Teaches that Christ will return before a literal 1,000-year reign on earth.
Postmillennialism: Holds that the gospel will gradually bring about a golden age, after which Christ returns.
Preterism: Interprets many "end times" passages (especially in Matthew 24 and Revelation) as already fulfilled in the first century, particularly in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
Each view can make their own arguments but there is only 1 correct Biblical view. You will form this view the more you study and understand.
4. Practical Implications for the Church
Eschatology is not meant to satisfy curiosity, but to cultivate hope, perseverance, and holiness.
Hope in suffering: Persecution and trials are seen in light of the coming glory (Romans 8:18).
Moral urgency: Knowing the Lord will return should inspire godly living (2 Peter 3:11–12).
Missional zeal: The end will come only when the gospel has reached all nations (Matthew 24:14).
Consider the example of Corrie ten Boom, who lived through Nazi persecution. Her steadfast hope in Christ’s return gave her strength to endure and forgive. Or think of Paul, whose eschatological outlook shaped his courage and missionary urgency (Philippians 1:20–24).
When we think of life on earth it is truly a blink of an eye. Without the hope in Christ and a desire to understand what comes after this Earthly life there is really not much of a point to anything. Only when Christ is the center and you do everything with the mindset of “Eternal preparation” do things really make sense.
Study Plan
6 Week plan for you (I will include this on other articles in this series) Move through this at your own pace.
Week 1: Foundations of Eschatology
Read: Genesis 1–3, Romans 8
Focus: Creation, Fall, and the need for restoration
Week 2: Old Testament Prophetic Visions
Read: Isaiah 65–66, Daniel 7, Joel 2
Focus: God’s promises and the Day of the Lord
Week 3: Teachings of Jesus
Read: Matthew 24–25, Luke 21
Focus: Signs of the end, parables of readiness
Week 4: Paul’s Eschatology
Read: 1 Thessalonians 4–5, 1 Corinthians 15
Focus: Resurrection hope, Christ’s return
Week 5: The Book of Revelation (Part 1)
Read: Revelation 1–11
Focus: Judgment, perseverance, symbolism
Week 6: The Book of Revelation (Part 2)
Read: Revelation 12–22
Focus: Victory, new creation, eternal kingdom
Tips:
Keep a journal for insights, questions, and prayers.
Save things you like here and share them on your Substak Notes or with others (this helps spread the message in a done for you way)
Read alongside a trusted commentary or study Bible.
Join or start a discussion by leaving a comment on this article
LESSON 2: Interpreting End Times Prophecy: Hermeneutical Principles (How do you interpret scripture)
What Is Hermeneutics?
Hermeneutics is the science and art of interpretation, especially of biblical texts. When it comes to end times prophecy—also called eschatology—hermeneutics helps us answer big questions like:
Is this prophecy literal or symbolic?
Has this event already happened, or is it still future?
What did the prophecy mean to its original audience?
Getting these answers right isn't just academic—it affects how we live, how we hope, and how we prepare for what’s to come.
This is why it is important to make sure you are taking scripture at face value and not trying to add your own “opinions” to what the Bible says. This is where confusion happens (Satans influence) and Gods’ words are taken out of context.
Why End Times Prophecy Is Unique
End times prophecy is filled with apocalyptic language—a highly symbolic style that reveals divine truth through visions, signs, and cosmic events. Books like Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Revelation are rich with metaphors, numbers, and images that don’t always mean what they seem at first glance.
That’s why applying the right interpretive tools is essential. Misreading these texts can lead to fear-driven theology, sensational predictions, or even complete disinterest. Balanced interpretation protects the message and magnifies the hope these prophecies were meant to deliver.
We all know those “Crazy Christians” the ones who can predict the end of the world to the exact date and time or the ones who let us know that Jesus has come back and is sitting with them. This does not mean these people are bad people but the unfortunate thing is it gives Christianity a bad name. Its important to take things as God wrote them without our own added take on it. God was clear in his writings to us.
7 Hermeneutical Principles for Interpreting End Times Prophecy
I will include a study plan at the end of this for you to do some exercises but these are the main things you want to get good at for yourself over time. (Practice and studying are the best ways to hone this skill)
1. Start with the Author’s Intent
Every prophecy had an original context and audience. What did the writer (under the Spirit’s guidance) intend to communicate? Don’t jump straight to modern application. Instead, ask: What did this mean to the people who first heard it?
📖 Example: Revelation was written to seven real churches in Asia Minor (Revelation 1–3). Understanding their situation helps us see how the book applies today.
2. Interpret Scripture with Scripture (THE BIG ONE)
Let the Bible interpret itself. Many prophetic images are explained elsewhere in Scripture. When you see a symbol or phrase you don’t understand, cross-reference other parts of the Bible.
📖 Example: The "beast" in Revelation shares traits with beasts from Daniel 7. Connecting the dots gives clarity.
Everything can be found this way and cross referenced. I love reading books on the Bible, Prophecy, etc. but remember these books are someones opinion usually so you have to get good at using scripture with scripture first before you are allowing someone else to influence what you are understanding. (more on this as we go)
3. Distinguish Between Literal and Symbolic Language
Not every prophetic element is literal. When John says Jesus has a "sharp sword coming out of His mouth" (Revelation 19:15), he’s not describing Jesus with a weapon in His face—it’s a symbol of judgment and the power of His word.
🔍 Clues to symbolism:
Surreal or impossible imagery
Repetition of numbers (e.g., 7, 12, 144,000)
Old Testament references
This is where the people who are “anti faith, anti Jesus” like to chime in and pick everything apart. Remember everything is not literal. How do you know what is what? You read, ask questions, and look up other scriptures.
Anyone who wants to pick something apart can do so in any area, book, or trade so don’t get discouraged if this happens to you. Your job is to build your relationship with Jesus first and foremost (above everything else). Then live Godly and share the word (not convince others but share by how you live and what you say) (this took me awhile to fully grasp.)
4. Recognize Genre and Literary Style
Prophetic books use poetry, vision, allegory, and narrative. Understanding the genre helps you avoid misreading figurative passages as if they were historical descriptions.
📖 Example: Daniel's vision of four beasts (Daniel 7) is not zoological but symbolic of kingdoms.
5. Consider Historical Fulfillment Before Future Speculation
Some prophecies have already been fulfilled in history. Recognizing this helps avoid projecting everything into the future.
📖 Example: Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24 partially refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, not only the end of the world.
Another area that is often taken way out of context. Stating Jesus said this or that and is a “False Prophet”. With some studying you would find that Jesus was talking about events to come and not events that had already occurred. “Not even Jesus is given the knowledge of the end times and when he will return” Only God knows this exact day and time.
6. Honor the “Already / Not Yet” Tension
Many end times prophecies operate in a dual reality—they’ve been partially fulfilled but still point to a future completion.
📖 Example: The Kingdom of God is already here (Luke 17:21) and yet to come in fullness (Revelation 11:15).
7. Avoid Date-Setting and Sensationalism
Jesus warned against trying to pinpoint exact dates for His return (Matthew 24:36). Biblical prophecy is not a code to crack, but a message to shape our lives.
💡 Remember: The goal of prophecy is to prepare hearts, not predict headlines.
Common Pitfalls in Interpreting Prophecy
Forcing modern events into biblical texts
Neglecting the Old Testament background
Obsessing over charts instead of Christ
Disregarding the message of hope and repentance
Action Plan: How to Grow in Prophetic Interpretation
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.
Prophetic Perspectives
The Rapture: Theological Interpretations and Scriptural Basis
The Great Tribulation: Timeline (When do these events occur as written in the Bible)
The Antichrist: Biblical Descriptions and Characteristics
Signs of the End Times in Biblical Prophecy
The Role of Israel in End Times Prophecy
Scriptural Deep Dives
Daniel's Prophecies
Revelation
Ezekiel
Matthew 24 and the Olivet Discourse
Paul's Teachings on the Second Coming
Theological Implications
The Millennial Kingdom
The Final Judgment
The New Heaven and New Earth
Practical Application
Practical Implications of End Times Prophecy