What Are the Signs of the End Times — Meaning Explained
Jesus described signs including wars, famines, earthquakes, false prophets, persecution, lawlessness, and the gospel preached to all nations before the end comes.
Jesus described signs including wars, famines, earthquakes, false prophets, persecution, lawlessness, and the gospel preached to all nations before the end comes.
"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." — Matthew 24:7-8 (KJV)
What "What Are the Signs of the End Times?" Actually Means
In the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21), Jesus' disciples asked, 'what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?' Jesus listed several indicators: wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes — calling these 'the beginning of sorrows' (Matthew 24:7-8). He warned of false christs and false prophets performing 'great signs and wonders' (Matthew 24:24). Persecution of believers would intensify. Lawlessness would increase, causing 'the love of many' to grow cold (Matthew 24:12). The 'abomination of desolation' would appear in the holy place (Matthew 24:15). And critically, 'this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come' (Matthew 24:14). Paul added that a 'falling away' would precede the revelation of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Jesus cautioned against setting dates while urging watchfulness: 'be ye also ready' (Matthew 24:44).
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Matthew 24:7-8
"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."
Matthew 24:14
"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."
Matthew 24:44
"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
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