Living in the Last Days: What Jesus Said in Matthew 24
One of the most common questions I hear is, “Pastor, do you believe we’re living in the last days?” By that, people mean: Are we close to the return of Christ? It’s the same question the disciples asked Jesus in Matthew 24:3. They wanted to know the signs of His coming and the end of the age.
Let’s start with a key distinction: the rapture and the second coming are not the same event. The word “rapture” isn’t in the Bible, it’s a term that describes being “snatched away.” At the rapture, Jesus comes in the air to gather His church. Believers who have died will rise first, and then those who are alive will be caught up together to meet Him.
The second coming happens later, at the end of the tribulation, when Jesus returns to the earth, specifically, the Mount of Olives, with His church to establish His millennial kingdom.
Jesus outlined several signs in Matthew 24 to help us recognize the season of His return, not the exact day or hour, but the general timeframe.
First, spiritual deception will increase. Jesus warned that many would come claiming to be the Christ and would mislead people (Matthew 24:4-5). We’re seeing this today, a willingness to embrace lies over truth, especially when the truth challenges our desires.
Second, global unrest will escalate. Wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes will become more frequent (Matthew 24:6-7). These are like birth pains, they start small and intensify. Right now, there are numerous armed conflicts, widespread famine, and a noticeable rise in seismic activity. Jesus said not to be frightened by these things, but to be aware, they signal that the end is near.
Third, persecution of believers will grow. Jesus said His followers would be hated, arrested, and even killed because of their faith (Matthew 24:9). Today, millions of Christians face severe persecution worldwide, with many giving their lives for the gospel.
Fourth, moral and social decline will become widespread. Lawlessness will increase, and most people’s love will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). We see this in the celebration of sin, the rejection of biblical values, and a culture that prioritizes personal comfort over spiritual commitment.
But there’s hope. Jesus also said the gospel would be preached throughout the whole world before the end comes (Matthew 24:14). God is still moving powerfully, revivals are breaking out, and people are turning to Christ even in the darkest places.
So how should we live in light of these signs?
The real question isn’t just, “Are we living in the last days?” but “Am I ready for the last day?”
If Jesus returned today, would you be taken to be with Him or left behind?
If you’ve never received Jesus, don’t wait. Come to Him today.
If you’re a believer but have grown complacent, recommit your life to Christ now.
Let’s live with urgency, hope, and readiness, because He is coming soon.
Let’s start with a key distinction: the rapture and the second coming are not the same event. The word “rapture” isn’t in the Bible, it’s a term that describes being “snatched away.” At the rapture, Jesus comes in the air to gather His church. Believers who have died will rise first, and then those who are alive will be caught up together to meet Him.
The second coming happens later, at the end of the tribulation, when Jesus returns to the earth, specifically, the Mount of Olives, with His church to establish His millennial kingdom.
Jesus outlined several signs in Matthew 24 to help us recognize the season of His return, not the exact day or hour, but the general timeframe.
First, spiritual deception will increase. Jesus warned that many would come claiming to be the Christ and would mislead people (Matthew 24:4-5). We’re seeing this today, a willingness to embrace lies over truth, especially when the truth challenges our desires.
Second, global unrest will escalate. Wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes will become more frequent (Matthew 24:6-7). These are like birth pains, they start small and intensify. Right now, there are numerous armed conflicts, widespread famine, and a noticeable rise in seismic activity. Jesus said not to be frightened by these things, but to be aware, they signal that the end is near.
Third, persecution of believers will grow. Jesus said His followers would be hated, arrested, and even killed because of their faith (Matthew 24:9). Today, millions of Christians face severe persecution worldwide, with many giving their lives for the gospel.
Fourth, moral and social decline will become widespread. Lawlessness will increase, and most people’s love will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). We see this in the celebration of sin, the rejection of biblical values, and a culture that prioritizes personal comfort over spiritual commitment.
But there’s hope. Jesus also said the gospel would be preached throughout the whole world before the end comes (Matthew 24:14). God is still moving powerfully, revivals are breaking out, and people are turning to Christ even in the darkest places.
So how should we live in light of these signs?
- Stay alert. Be spiritually awake and discerning. Test everything by God’s Word and resist deception.
- Live in readiness. Like in the days of Noah, don’t put off preparing your heart. The rapture will happen suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, and there won’t be a second chance to get ready.
- Endure in faith. Stand firm, even when your faith is tested. Salvation isn’t just a one-time event, it’s a journey of being saved, transformed, and one day glorified when we see Jesus face to face.
The real question isn’t just, “Are we living in the last days?” but “Am I ready for the last day?”
If Jesus returned today, would you be taken to be with Him or left behind?
If you’ve never received Jesus, don’t wait. Come to Him today.
If you’re a believer but have grown complacent, recommit your life to Christ now.
Let’s live with urgency, hope, and readiness, because He is coming soon.
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