Understanding the Signs of the End Times: What the Bible Says About the Last Days

Are We Living in the End Times?

What are the signs of end time?

The increasing unrest in the world,wars, pandemics, natural disasters, and deception,has sparked questions among believers and skeptics alike: Are we approaching the end of the age?

In Luke 21:7–11, Jesus responds to His disciples’ question about when the destruction of the temple and end times will occur. His answer gives us clear signs and a framework for understanding what to expect.

Let’s dive deep into this Scripture and related biblical passages to understand what Jesus warned about, how it aligns with other end-times prophecies, and what believers should do to remain faithful.

1:The Disciples’ Question and Jesus’ Warning (Luke 21:7-8)

Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” :Luke 21:7

“Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” :Luke 21:8

The disciples' concern about timing reveals our natural desire to know what's ahead. But Jesus doesn't satisfy their curiosity with a date.He issues a warning: deception will come first.

This theme appears again in Matthew 24:24, where Jesus warns that “false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

They will be an increase of satanism 

In our time, false teachings, spiritual manipulation, and even cultic movements mirror this prophecy. 2 Timothy 3:13 says, “evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

2:Wars, Uprisings, and Civil Unrest (Luke 21:9–10)

Nation will rise against each other

“When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” :Luke 21:9

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”: Luke 21:10

Conflict between nations and people is a hallmark of the end times. Matthew 24:6–7 repeats this warning, emphasizing that unrest is a precursor, not the conclusion.

This pattern is echoed in Daniel 12:1, where the angel tells Daniel, “There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.”We’re reminded that tribulation will intensify globally, yet God’s people will be delivered.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:3, Paul warns: “While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly.”The contrast between expectations of peace and the sudden onset of crisis underscores how deceptive the times will be.

3:Earthquakes, Famines, and Pestilences: Natural Catastrophes (Luke 21:11)

“There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places…” : Luke 21:11

Jesus describes physical signs in the earth not symbolic, but real.

They will be major earthquakes everywhere 

Major floods due to earthquakes and tsunami 

Earthquakes: Intensifying in frequency and magnitude globally.

Famines: According to the World Food Programme, over 735 million people are currently undernourished.

They will be major famines

Pestilences: Pandemics like COVID-19, Ebola, and monkeypox fulfill this sign.

COVID-19 

Paul gives a broader context in 2 Timothy 3:1–5, saying that in the last days, “terrible times will come.” He lists not only physical calamities but moral and social breakdown, describing people as “lovers of themselves… unholy, without self-control, brutal.”

Jesus called these the “beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8),pains that increase in intensity as the final moment approaches.

4:Fearful Events and Great Signs from Heaven (Luke 21:11)

“…and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” : Luke 21:11

The cosmos will also reflect the urgency of the hour. In Joel 2:30–31,the prophet declares:

“I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth… The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”

This is echoed in Revelation 6:12–14:

Fearful signs in the sky

Fearful signs 

“There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black… the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth.”

Whether these are literal cosmic disturbances or symbolic of great spiritual upheaval, their message is clear: the heavens will proclaim the urgency of God’s plan.

We’ve seen blood moons, total eclipses, and meteor storms that spark speculation,but believers are to interpret these through the lens of Scripture, not superstition.

5:The Rise of the Antichrist and Global Deception (Revelation 13)

Rise in deception 

Though not directly quoted in Luke 21, Revelation 13 gives us a prophetic look at a future global leader,the Antichrist,who will demand worship, deceive the nations, and control commerce.

“The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast… It also forced all people… to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads…” ; Revelation 13:3,16

This fits with Jesus’ warning in Luke 21:8 ;many will be led astray by those claiming to offer salvation, safety, or power.

This system will be religious, economic, and political. Believers are warned not to compromise, even under pressure. Remaining faithful may cost us comfort,or even our lives,but it secures our eternity.

6:Increase of Knowledge and Global Awareness (Daniel 12:4)

“But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”, Daniel 12:4

In today’s digital age, access to knowledge is at an all-time high. The internet, AI, global travel, and surveillance technologies echo this prophecy precisely.

This isn’t just about intellectual knowledge,it also includes the widespread availability of spiritual truth and false doctrine alike. Discernment is critical.

7:Preaching of the Gospel to All Nations (Matthew 24:14)

Gospel spreading to the whole world 

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” ; Matthew 24:14

Even as chaos increases, God’s mission continues. Today, through missionaries, online ministries, and Bible translations, the gospel is reaching the farthest corners of the globe.

Rather than be passive observers, believers are called to be  active participants in this mission,knowing that Jesus will not return until every people group has had the opportunity to hear the truth.

8:No One Knows the Day or Hour (Matthew 24:36)

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

While signs are given to help us stay alert, Jesus is clear: we are not meant to know the exact timing. Date-setters and self-proclaimed prophets violate this instruction.

Instead of focusing on timelines, Jesus calls us to watchfulness and readiness,living holy lives, sharing the gospel, and expecting His return daily.

How Should Believers Respond?

Jesus’ purpose in giving these signs was not to instill fear,but to prepare His followers.

1:Be Spiritually Alert – 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6

“Let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”

We must remain vigilant in prayer, the Word, and fellowship,alert to deception, compromise, and distraction.

2: Know the Scriptures

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

In times of darkness, God’s Word becomes our compass. Study prophecy alongside the gospel. The two are deeply connected.

3:Pray Without Ceasing

Prayer guards our hearts and opens our eyes. In Luke 21:36, Jesus commands: “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen.”

4:Share the Good News

The signs point to the urgency of salvation. Many people live without hope, confused by the chaos of the world. Our message brings life and light.

The Signs Are Here.Are You Ready?

The words of Luke 21:7–11 and the supporting Scriptures in Daniel, Revelation, Matthew, and Paul’s letters all tell a unified story:

• Deception is increasing.
• Global unrest is rising.
• Nature itself is groaning.
• The gospel is advancing.
• And Jesus is coming again.

We’re not called to speculate,we’re called to prepare.

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”,Luke 21:28

Our Salvation is near 

Let us not sleep or fear, but watch, work, and worship,knowing our Salvation is near.