The End: Tribulation, Antichrist & Christ’s Return
In 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, Paul explains that the church can know for certain that that haven’t missed the second coming because there will be two notable and observable events that will precede Christ’s return. And no matter what they hear again in the future—from a spirit, a [false] teacher, or even in a letter claiming to be from Paul—unless they see these two signs, they can know that Christ has not yet come…followed by the unmistakable return of Jesus. The three events they won’t be able to miss are: 1) The Rebellion (The Great Tribulation); 2) The rise of the Man of Lawlessness (the '“Antichrist”); 3) The Coming of Christ in glory.
Full disclosure here: Pastor Ritch holds to an Amillennial view of the end times, and a post-tribulational rapture. But the majority of what is in this post would be in agreement with the most commonly held end-times views (with a few qualifiers).
Here’s a bullet point list of what the Bible tells us about these three things:
The Rebellion (The Great Tribulation)
While the Bible teaches that people throughout the age will experience periods of general tribulation/distress, there remains a future period of time that will be marked by an especially intense rebellion against God. Christians often refer to this time period as “The Great Tribulation.” Here’s what we know about that time period:
It will be rebellious: Unrepentant human hatred of God will reaches its maximum potential.
It will be global: It reaches around the planet. Every nation on earth will feel the impact of the distress of this period.
It will be natural: (Upheaval of the natural world). There will be increased intensity and frequency of earthquakes, famines, droughts, oceanic catastrophes and astronomical calamities.
It will be political: The kings and rulers of this world will form a “one world order”—A coalition of nations whose rulers all form together into a singular, powerful and final earthly Empire.
It will be vindictive: The people of this world will take their hatred for God out on his people.
The Rise of the Man of Lawlessness (The Antichrist)
The Bible uses the word “antichrist” to refer to anyone who uses their influence to lead others away from God. But it also refers to a singular individual who will take point in leading the rebellion against God in the end. Here’s what we know about him:
He will be satanic: The Antichrist will rise to power under the direct control of Satan—the original rebel—himself.
He will be powerful: All nations will come to him, and eventually make him their supreme ruler.
He will be destructive: He is called the “Son of Destruction.” He will use His power to to corrupt and destroy everything that God loves.
He will be religious: By the end, the secular nation-state is gone. He will not say there is no God; he will say that he IS GOD.
He will be supernatural: As a counterfeit “christ,” he will perform false signs and wonders, claiming to be a worker of miracles.
The Coming of Christ in Glory
In the end, and after the Rise of the Antichrist and the Great Tribulation, Jesus will return to bring close to human history. Afterward, He will rule and reign forever, with His saints in the perfect New Heavens and New Earth. This is what we know about His return:
It will be bodily: This is an essential doctrine of the Christian Faith. Jesus will return corporeally (physically). Not as a spirit, ghost or apparition. Jesus will come down from heaven, in the same way that He went up. Literally.
It will be sudden: No one will know for certain the timing—It will be a complete surprise for the non-believing world. However, watchful believers will not be surprised when it happens.
It will be unmistakable: No one will be able to miss it. It will be as manifest and conspicuous as lighting crackling across the sky.
It will be vindicating: At His second coming, Jesus will rescue the saints and punish the wicked. At this point (and shortly after—at the judgment seat), Jesus will satisfy justice absolutely.
It will be victorious: Jesus will destroy His final enemies once and for all: Satan, sin and death.
Come, Lord Jesus!