What Christians Should "Know and Understand" in End Times

The key components of the last days are the same as in the Garden of Eden and in the days of Noah. All designed by Satan to draw us away from God:

Desire of the flesh.
   (food, sexual immorality -- in the end times, our desire for food will cause many to take the mark of the beast)
Desire of the eyes.
  (love of the world and things in the world -- 1 John 2:15-16)
Pride of life.
   (the sinful attitude that we do not need God, that with technology, we will become gods -- in the end times this will take the form of transhumanism)

The apostle John said:
"For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." -- 1 John 2:16

And these are the same temptations that Eve faced in the Garden:
"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate." -- Genesis 3:6

see footnote***


✦ Know that if you live Godly in Christ Jesus, you will have tribulation and you will be persecuted.
--Luke 6:27-28, James 1:2-3,1 John 2:18 ESV, 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 10:23, Luke 21:12, John 15:20, Romans 8:35, Romans 12:14, 1 Corinthians 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:12, John 16:33

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
--- 1 Peter 4:19 NASB

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
--- 2 Timothy 3:12

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
--- 1 Peter 3:14

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
--- John 16:33

✦ Know that Jesus did not come to bring peace on the earth but a sword.
Those who reject Jesus, hate Him. They will hate His followers as well (John 15:18) because they love their sin (John 3:19 NASB).

--Luke 12:49-53, John 16:2-3

Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.
37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
--- Matthew 10:34-39

✦ Understand that you will be betrayed and hated because of the name of Jesus.
-- Luke 21:16-19, Matthew 24:10, Mark 13:12

But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name. Yet not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Luke 21:16-19

✦ Know that we are "regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
This is hard to read and to embrace but it is true. Our lives are not our own, we have been bought with a price... we belong to Jesus. But also know that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

Jesus has told in His word that hardship and persecution is coming and we should not be surprised when it does.
We should be ready to be killed, slaughtered like sheep, for Christ's sake, if that's what it comes to.
--- John 16:33, Psalm 44:22, Acts 20:24, 2 Corinthians 1:9, John 16:2,

As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
Romans 8:36

✦ Know that depravity will increase. As the wicked go from bad to worse, their depraved minds will become more and more scattered like unreasoning animals.
-- Jude 1:10, 2 Peter 2:12, Romans 1:28 NASB, 1Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 3:8, 2 Timothy 3:13

✦ Understand you are not fighting against flesh and blood. Satan and his servants come as angels of light; They come as wolves in sheep's clothing. They often can quote scripture as well as a follower of Jesus Christ, but they misuse or twist God's word. They speak lies. The Antichrist comes "as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14) and will deceive many "with all power and false signs and wonders" (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
-- Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Matthew 24:24


✦ Understand that mockers will come. Such mockers are proud, haughty scoffers showing contempt and insolent pride.
And when you see pride in the world around you, know that it is an end time sign. (2 Timothy 3:2 KJV )
And according to the Bible, they are unwise and unable to take correction. Do not be surprised by such behavior.
-- 2 Peter 3:3, Proverbs 21:24, Proverbs 19:29, 2 Timothy 3:1, Proverbs 15:1, Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 3:34, Proverbs 29:8, Proverbs 9:8, Isaiah 28:22, Proverbs 9:7, Job 17:2, Proverbs 24:9, Proverbs 9:12, Proverbs 1:22, Proverbs 14:6, Acts 13:41, Proverbs 21:11, Proverbs 13:1

... In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.
--- Jude 1:18 NASB

✦ Understand that Satan has blinded much of the world and the gospel is hidden from them. These love the world and the things in the world.
"No one can serve two masters" -- Matthew 6:24
We need to let go of the world and the things in the world. Those who cannot let go of the world will take the mark of the beast. The ways of God are hidden from those who love the world.
--- 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 3:14, 2 Corinthians 2:15, Romans 2:5, 2 Corinthians 3:15, 1 John 2:15-17

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
--- 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

✦ Understand that Apostasy will cause many to turn from faith in Jesus. And we know from Zechariah 13:8-9 that two-thirds of those who call themselves Christians will commit apostasy, and the other one-third will be refined as with fire (persecution). Jesus told us beforehand so we would not be surprised.

Prepare and Guard Your Heart

Click here for more about the Great Falling Away called the Apostasy.

--- 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV, 1 Timothy 4:1, Jude 1:4, Matthew 7:21-23 ESV, Psalm 81:15, Matthew 24:11 ESV, 2 Timothy 4:3 NASB, Matthew 24:5, Romans 8:7–8, 1 John 2:15, 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ESV, 2 Peter 2:22

✦ Understand that the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God
-- John 16:1-4 ESV, Matthew 24:9, John 15:19-20, Luke 21:16-17, Luke 21:12, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 10:17-22, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 6:22

Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.
--- 1 John 3:13

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
--- John 15:18

✦ Know that even though you are in the world, this world is not your home. You are just passing through. Your home is in heaven with the Lord.
-- Philippians 3:20-21, John 14:2-3, Revelation 21:2, 2 Peter 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:8, 1John 2:15-17

For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
--- Hebrews 13:14 NLT

✦ Know that there is power in the name of Jesus.
At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth. This name has authority. All who call on the name of Jesus will be saved.
--Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:9-11, John 14:13-14, Luke 10:17, Romans 10:13, Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Mark 16:17, John 16:26, Proverbs 18:10, Romans 14:11


✦ Know that the "Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment" ---2 Peter 2:9
We must cling to this Biblical truth while waiting patiently for our LORD to come as He has promised. The LORD is faithful. We must "abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
(Romans 15:13)

4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter; 7 and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men 8 (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority.
2 Peter 2:4-10

✦ Understand that separate from the world does not mean isolation from the world.
To be a light to the world, "a city set on a hill," (Matthew 5:14-16) you have to engage the world while not conforming to the world's thinking and values. Becoming a lone wolf prepper is not the answer. Jesus is the answer and our testimony will be important in end times.

We All Have a Testimony.
Do Not Hide Your Light.

We are commanded to "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
--- Matthew 5:16 NASB

-- 1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 5:14-16, Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 3:15, Acts 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, Psalm 119:46, John 15:27, 1 John 5:10, Matthew 24:14

For more on the importance of our end time testimony, see my commentary on the "OUR TESTIMONY": Click Here

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
--- Revelation 12:11

Understand that enduring the tribulation is NOT about your survival, it's about your testimony. In other words, if you are more concerned about your survival than your testimony, then you will NOT endure the tribulation.

✦ Remember, there is no fear in love. Love your neighbor as yourself, speak truth in love, love mercy, and don't let your love grow cold.

--- 1 John 4:18 ESV, Matthew 24:12 ESV, Jude 1:21, Matthew 5:43-45a, 1 Corinthians 13:1, Romans 12:21, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:7, 1 Corinthians 13:13


✦ Understand that it is by our Our faith in.. belief in.. trust in.. obedience to.. surrender to Jesus Christ that we inherit the promises of God.
-- Romans 4:13 NASB, Romans 4:16 NASB, Romans 9:8, Galatians 3:14, Hebrews 10:36, Galatians 3:22, Ephesians 1:13

so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
--- Hebrews 6:12

✦ Understand that righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, kindness, holiness and love are qualities of a Christian life.
-- 1 Timothy 6:11, Galatians 5:22-23 ESV, Colossians 3:12 ESV, 2 Peter 3:10-13 NASB,


✦ Remember that you are not your own, you have been bought with a price. You belong to Jesus.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. --- Galatians 2:20

--1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Psalm 100:3, John 10:27-28, Romans 14:8, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 1 John 3:1

✦ Know that Wisdom from God Brings Security.
And that the LORD stores up wisdom for the upright.
--- James 1:5, James 3:17, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 16:16, Psalm 90:12, Romans 11:33, Matthew 7:24, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 3:13, Proverbs 3:7

My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you,
2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding;
3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;
4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will discern the fear of the Lord And discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11 Discretion will guard you, Understanding will watch over you,
12 To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things;

--- Proverbs 2:1-12 NASB

✦ Know that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Know the comfort of the LORD Jesus Christ when He says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." --- Hebrews 13:5

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.'
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
--- Romans 8:35-39

--Hebrews 13:5-6, Isaiah 41:10, Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5,9, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Psalm 23:4, Galatians 2:20, John 6:37, John 14:18, Psalm 100:3, 1 Corinthians 3:23, Matthew 10:28

✦ Know that in the last days, wickedness with unprecedented violence will abound:
Spiritual darkness will exponentially increase as people become "lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy..." -- 2 Timothy 3:2-4 NASB

Research groups say we are experiencing a narcissism epidemic. Narcissists war with God, often pretending to love God, but they actually covet His position. Covertly religious narcissists pretend obedience to God. Narcissism is selfishness, involving a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration. And out of this cruel indifference, violence will erupt. This rise in violence is called the Lucifer Effect by psychologists. The Bible says the last days will be full of violence like the days of Noah.
see Genesis 6:11

--- 2 Timothy 3:2-5 ESV, Luke 17:26, 2 Peter 3:3-4 ESV, Genesis 6:5, Matthew 24:10 ESV, 2 Thessalonians 2:10 ESV, Ephesians 4:19 ESV, Romans 1:30, 2 Timothy 3:2-4, Proverbs 6:17

✦ Understand that some of us are destined for captivity and some for the sword. This is a hard thing to hear and understand. Pray for understanding. Persevere! Those who have ears to hear, hear!
-- Revelation 13:10, Jeremiah 15:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.
--- Revelation 13:10 NLT

✦ Remember that Jesus has overcome the world.
The victory has already been won by Jesus Christ. As we walk in the Spirit, we partake of that victory in the here and now. We do not have to be anxious or worried or fearful. We can have peace in our hearts regardless of the circumstances around us. Remember the words of Jesus:
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
-- John 16:33 NASB

".... I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.... "
John 11:25-26


✦ Remember that these things must take place to fulfill Bible prophecy
-- Matthew 24:6, Revelation 1:1, Revelation 4:1, Revelation 22:6, John 16:13

✦ Understand that we do not know the day or hour of the Rapture, but we can know the season and perhaps even the month and at some point the year.
We know that we are a day closer than yesterday.
Look up for the Blessed Hope.
Maranatha: The Lord is coming!
-- Titus 2:13, Romans 13:11 ESV, Hebrews 9:28 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV

✦ Know that if there is any sin in your life, REPENT NOW.
And if you are a Christian, click here to make sure you have been
born again as our Lord said in
John 3:3