God's Blueprint of the Ages
To fully grasp the unfolding events of the end times, we must first understand that God has an organized blueprint for human history. The Bible reveals that time is divided into distinct periods known as "dispensations," which are specific eras where man is tested in respect to his obedience to God's revealed will. By correctly dividing the Word of truth, we can identify these seven dispensations: Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law, Grace, and the future Millennium.
Recognizing these different periods prevents confusion when reading the Scriptures, because God dealt with mankind using different methods and requirements throughout history. In every single dispensation, man has ultimately failed on his own strength, highlighting humanity's desperate need for a Savior. This chronological approach provides a telescopic view of prophecy, showing us exactly where we stand today on God's timeline and preparing our hearts for what is yet to come.
The Age of Grace
We are currently living in the sixth dispensation, which is commonly referred to as the Age of Grace or the Church Age. This unique period began at Pentecost and will conclude with the sudden removal of the Church from the earth. During the previous dispensation of the Law, man was tested by strict commandments, but this present era is entirely defined by God's unmerited favor through Jesus Christ.
In this current age, God is forming a new spiritual body—the Church—composed of both Jews and Gentiles who have placed their faith in the finished work of the cross. Salvation does not depend upon human ability or works, but completely upon the ability of Jesus Christ to save. As this dispensation draws to a close, the world will see a marked increase in apostasy and moral decay, setting the stage for the dramatic, prophetic events that will usher in the end times.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
The Pre-Tribulation Rapture
The very next event on God's prophetic calendar is the imminent, secret return of Jesus Christ to catch away His Bride, the Church. This magnificent event is known as the Rapture, a word derived from a Latin term meaning to be "caught up" or snatched away by force. It will happen with astonishing suddenness, completely taking the unbelieving world by surprise.
During the Rapture, Jesus does not touch the earth. Instead, He descends with a shout, the dead in Christ are resurrected with glorified bodies, and living believers are instantly transformed and caught up to meet the Lord in the air. This event is entirely separate from His Second Coming to the earth, acting as a divine rescue mission that removes the Church before the devastating judgments of the end times are unleashed.
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Kept from the Hour of Wrath
A crucial truth regarding the Rapture is that it will occur prior to the seven-year Tribulation. The Tribulation is a period specifically designed for God to pour out His wrath upon an unrepentant world and to bring the nation of Israel to redemption. The Church is exempt from this terrifying period because Jesus fully absorbed the wrath of God on our behalf at the cross.
Because the Church is completely justified by the blood of Jesus, we are promised an escape from this impending divine judgment. Christ promised the faithful Church that He would keep them from the terrible hour of testing that is destined to try those who dwell upon the earth. This transforms the doctrine of the Rapture into a message of profound comfort and blessed hope.
The Great Tribulation
Once the Church and the restraining power of the Holy Spirit are removed from the earth, a period of unprecedented global terror will begin. This seven-year span, heavily prophesied by Daniel, is marked by the rise of the Antichrist, who will initially broker a false peace treaty before unleashing absolute tyranny. It will be a time of overwhelming natural disasters, famine, and war, uniquely focused on the Jewish people.
The Tribulation serves as the climax of man's rebellion. During these darkest of days, a large portion of the world's population will face the cataclysmic seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments of Revelation. Despite the horrors, God's ultimate purpose is to break the stubborn rebellion of the nations and to bring a surviving remnant of Israel to their knees, forcing them to finally recognize and cry out for their true Messiah.
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
The Glorious Return of Christ
The horrors of the Tribulation will dramatically conclude with the Second Coming, the moment when Jesus Christ literally and bodily returns to the earth. Unlike the Rapture, which is a secret catching away, this event will be highly visible and accompanied by staggering displays of divine power. He will not return alone; the glorified Church will ride alongside Him as the armies of heaven.
Jesus will descend to fight the Battle of Armageddon, completely destroying the Antichrist and his global coalition. In a magnificent fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, His feet will actually touch down upon the earth. From there, Christ will establish His Millennial Kingdom, reigning from Jerusalem with perfect justice, fulfilling all His ancient covenants, and restoring creation to a state of unprecedented peace and blessing.