Seven signs of the end of the age

God not only reveals the future, but has the power to bring to pass what He has foretold: “Remember the former things….I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come….What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do” (Isaiah 46:9-10, NIV 2011).

In Luke chapter 21 Jesus outlines a detailed prophecy predicting conditions at the end of this age. Following are seven end-time conditions we should be aware of.

1. The Decline Of The English-speaking Nations

A study of history and archeology along with the Bible reveals who the modern descendants of ancient Israel are today. Foremost among them are the people of the United States, Great Britain and other English-speaking nations, such as Australia. (See our study guide The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy to learn more.) Sadly, Bible prophecy describes the decline of these nations from a combination of war, financial collapse, natural disasters and social breakdown, with immorality and national sin leading to punishment from God.

The prophetic book of Hosea was written to both ancient Israel and its modern descendants, with most of the prophecies having a dual fulfillment. In ancient Israel, as it is today, true worship was corrupted by syncretism or blending with pagan religion along with other sins described in Hosea 4:1-3. These evils are rampant in our society today: swearing, lying, killing, stealing, adultery and an increasing disregard for God. Others are deceived and embrace a very different form of Christianity, which increasingly diminishes true biblical teaching which Hosea warns will bring judgment against our land and people.

2. A 10-Member European-Centered Superstate

Bible prophecy foretells the formation of a powerful European-centered superstate of 10 nations or groups of nations shortly before Christ returns, describing it as the final resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire. The book of Revelation calls this power bloc and its dictatorial ruler “the beast”— with the system portrayed as a seven-headed beast with 10 horns (see Revelation 13, 17 and 18 and Daniel 7). This short-lived, end-time empire is orchestrated by Satan. It will be militarily dominant, as well as being a political, economic and religious power. “So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’” (Revelation 13:4). (Download and read our study guide The Final Superpower for more detail).

3. A Powerful False Church

As the new European political and military power develops, an influential religious leader over a powerful church will provide guidance and unity to this new superpower.”Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints [true Christians] and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:6-8).

4. New Alliances And The King Of The South

With the decline of the English-speaking nations mentioned earlier in Daniel 11, verses 40-42 describe the next horrifying conflict: “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him [the king of the North]; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships;… He shall also enter the Glorious Land [the Holy Land], and many countries shall be overthrown….” (Daniel 11:40-41).

This is describing a war between the aforementioned united European power as the king of the North and the king of the South, consisting most likely of a group of Islamic nations centered to the south of Jerusalem that will band together to protect and advance their interests, religion and culture. You can read a detailed analysis of this development in our free study guide The Middle East in Bible Prophecy.

5. A Vast Asian Power Bloc

Revelation 9 also tells of a great Asian regional power whose massive armies will attack the forces of the king of the North just before Christ’s return, described as the sixth of seven trumpet blasts and the ‘the second woe’. This will be a huge war. “Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them” (Revelation 9:16).

China is already a dominant financial and military power in Asia. Watch for growing cooperation and partnership between many Asian powers, including China, Russia and Iran.

6. The Gospel Preached In All Nations

When relating events preceding His return, Jesus said “this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:13-14). This is now possible with world-wide communication networks and the Internet.

Just before what is known as the Great Tribulation, God will send ‘two witnesses’ to warn the world one last time they are headed in the wrong direction : “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days [3½ years]” (Revelation 11:3). God’s two witnesses will stand in opposition to the Beast and the False Prophet. The true gospel message of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God must be preached to all nations of the world (Matthew 28:18-20).

7. The Bride Of Christ Prepares For His Return

The ‘Bride Of Christ’ is described as people “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” and will be a target for Satan’s wrath during the Great Tribulation (Revelation 12:17). They are filled with God’s Spirit and believe their purpose is to serve others and develop the fruit of the Spirit in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23). They will have done their best to set the right example and preach the Gospel to the world, preparing to serve the living Christ at His return: “‘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.’ 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. Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!”’” (Revelation 19:7-9).

The Kingdom Of God Is Finally Established

Then, at last, after the persecution of the Great Tribulation and terrible wars Jesus Christ will return to this earth, heralding the end of this present evil age. Under His government peace and the true teachings of the Bible will prevail. With Christ as our King humanity will be offered salvation and eternal life. Hunger, suffering, child slavery, wars, violence and riots will be in the past.

Just as Jesus told the doubting Sadducees and Pharisees that prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah should have been recognized (Matthew 16:3), we are warned today not to overlook the obvious signs of fulfilled prophecy indicating the time of Christ’s return to this earth is near. We are exhorted to: “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” (Luke 21:36).