Signs of the End of the Age
Wars, famines, earthquakes — Christ's foretold birth-pangs of the end.
On the Mount of Olives Jesus listed the signs that would mark the age before His return: wars and rumours of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and the gospel preached to all nations. These are 'the beginning of sorrows' — increasing labor-pains until the day of His coming.
The Prophecy
"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars...nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes...All these are the beginning of sorrows."
"And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven."
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Birth pangs
Christ likened the signs to a woman's travail — increasing in frequency and intensity until the new age is born. Every generation has seen them; the final generation will see them concentrated.
The gospel to all nations
The most certain sign is the global preaching of the gospel — already nearer to completion than at any previous moment in history.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wars and earthquakes signs of the end?
They are signs of the age before His return — 'the beginning of sorrows,' not the end itself.
Can we know the day of Christ's return?
No — Jesus said no man knows the day or hour (Matthew 24:36). The signs warn us to watch, not to set dates.
What are the 'birth pangs' Jesus described?
Wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes that intensify like labor pains as the end of the age approaches (Matthew 24:7-8).
Related Bible Prophecies
The Second Coming of Christ
The visible, glorious return of Christ to judge and reign.
The Great Tribulation
Unequalled trouble before the coming of Christ.
False Christs and False Prophets
Jesus warned of deceivers who would arise showing great signs and wonders.
Signs in Sun, Moon, and Stars
Joel, Christ, and Revelation foretell darkened sun, blood-red moon, and falling stars.
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