Scriptures to Study the End Times

As the events of the war between Israel and Hamas play out in the Palestinian area of Gaza, many people have asked questions about the end times. Is this somehow related to Gog and Magog? Is this a part of the tribulation or a precursor to a pre-tribulation rapture? Or is the rapture something that happens after the great tribulation? What's supposed to happen in the final days of the end times?

Unfortunately, many Christians have formulated their end times views from fiction books and popular preachers but have never studied the topic throughout the Bible. In many ways, exploring the topics at the end is nearly impossible without a solid understanding of the beginning. Without a proper understanding of the redemptive power and work of Jesus in mind, an end-times study is greatly lacking. If we're going to understand the end times well, we probably need to read the entire biblical narrative three or four times before jumping into the specifics. But most people don't want to put in that kind of work. They want two or three verses to answer all their end times questions. But that won't yield biblical results.

But if you want to engage in an end-times study, it would be best to work through the significant verses used in the teaching, discussion, and debates about the doctrine. Here's a list to get you started:

Genesis 49:1-27

At the end of his life, Jacob gathers his sons and prophesies over each of them, foretelling their futures and that of their descendants. These prophecies include significant messianic expectations, particularly regarding the tribe of Judah, from whom the royal line, culminating in Christ, is prophesied to come.

Psalm 2

This psalm is a coronation hymn celebrating God's sovereign kingship and the anointed king's rule over the nations. It has messianic implications, referencing the Son, whom all kings and rulers are commanded to serve with reverence.

Psalm 110

Attributed to David, this psalm expresses the ultimate victory and eternal priesthood of the Messianic king. In the New Testament, Psalm 110 is often cited as evidence of Jesus Christ's divine sonship and high priestly role.

Isaiah 2:1-22

This passage presents a vision of the last days when the mountain of the Lord's house will be established, and all nations will come to it. It contrasts this with a call to reject the idols and pride, emphasizing God's ultimate judgment and exaltation.

Isaiah 7:10-35:10

These chapters in Isaiah combine prophecies of judgment and hope, including the famous Immanuel prophecy, which foreshadows the virgin birth of Christ. It also describes the Assyrian invasion as a judgment on faithlessness and foretells a future restoration for a faithful remnant.

Isaiah 42:18-56:8

This series of prophecies focuses on the Servant of the Lord, understood as a messianic figure who will bring justice and salvation. These chapters also emphasize God's sovereignty, the futility of idolatry, and the hope of restoration for Israel and blessings for all nations.

Isaiah 60:1-65:24

These chapters envision the glorious restoration of Zion and the gathering of nations to the light of God's presence. They culminate in the promise of new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells and sorrow is no more.

Jeremiah 30-31

These chapters offer hope in despair, prophesying the restoration of Judah from captivity. They notably contain the promise of a New Covenant, written on the hearts of God's people, fulfilling the law more intimately and personally.

Ezekiel 33-48

Beginning with Ezekiel's role as a watchman, these chapters span visions of restoration for Israel. The latter chapters describe a new temple and a renewed land, symbolizing God's presence among his people.

Daniel 2

King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great statue, interpreted by Daniel, outlines a succession of kingdoms, culminating in establishing God's eternal kingdom. The dream sets the stage for the prophetic overview of world history and the ultimate victory of God's dominion.

Daniel 7-12

These chapters contain apocalyptic visions, including the four beasts, the Ancient of Days, and the prophecy of seventy weeks. They deal with themes of persecution, end times, and the ultimate victory of God's people.

Hosea 3

Hosea's redemption of his unfaithful wife symbolizes God's unfailing love for Israel despite their idolatry. It points to when the Israelites will return to God and their Davidic king.

Joel 2-3

These chapters describe the terrifying "Day of the Lord," a time of judgment and restoration. It includes the promise of the outpouring of the Spirit in the last days, culminating in salvation for those who call on the Lord.

Amos 8-9

Amos prophesies imminent judgment against Israel for their social injustices and religious complacency, culminating in a vision in which there is a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope in the final promise of restoration and rebuilding.

Obadiah 1:15-21

This passage in Obadiah speaks of the coming day of the Lord, when Edom will be judged for its arrogance and violence against Jacob. It ends with a vision of the kingdom of God being established and holiness prevailing.

Micah 4-5

These chapters prophesy the future exaltation of Mount Zion as a center of God's rule, where nations will seek peace and justice. Micah 5 is a prophecy of Jesus coming from Bethlehem.

Zephaniah 1-3

Zephaniah's prophecies focus on the coming day of the Lord, a day of wrath and judgment against sin, but also of shelter and protection for those who seek the Lord. The book concludes with a promise of restoration and joy for Jerusalem and the nations.

Zechariah 9-11

This section includes prophecies of judgment against Israel's enemies and the coming of Zion's king, humble and riding on a donkey. It also foretells the rejection of the shepherd and the scattering of the flock, symbolizing Israel's rejection of God's care.

Zechariah 12-14

These final chapters of Zechariah describe the siege of Jerusalem, a time of great trial followed by the Lord's intervention and victory. They include the piercing of the Messiah, a fountain opened for sin and uncleanness, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom.

Malachi 3-4

These chapters speak of the coming of the Lord's messenger to prepare the way and the subsequent arrival of the Lord for judgment. It concludes with a promise of the sun of righteousness rising with healing and the coming of Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

Matthew 13

This chapter contains a series of parables Jesus taught about the Kingdom of Heaven, including the parable of the sower, the wheat and the tares, and the mustard seed. These parables reveal truths about the Kingdom's growth and the eventual separation of the righteous and the wicked.

Matthew 24-25

Jesus discusses the end times and his second coming, providing signs of the end and parables to illustrate vigilance and faithfulness. It includes the parable of the ten virgins and the talents, emphasizing readiness for his return.

Mark 13

Like Matthew 24, this chapter records Jesus' teachings on the end times, including the Temple's destruction, signs of the end, and the need for vigilance. Jesus emphasizes the unpredictability of the timing and the importance of staying alert.

Luke 17:20-37

Jesus addresses questions about the coming of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing its unexpected nature and the need for readiness. He parallels the days of Noah and Lot to illustrate the suddenness of the Kingdom's arrival.

Luke 21:5-36

In this passage, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple and describes the signs that will precede the end times. He urges his followers to remain watchful and prayerful, assuring them of God's guidance through these challenging times.

John 14:1-7

Jesus comforts his disciples, promising to prepare a place for them in his Father's house and assuring them of his return. He declares himself the way, the truth, and the life, the only path to the Father.

Acts 1:9-11

This passage describes Jesus' ascension into heaven after his resurrection. The angels assured the disciples that Jesus will return as they saw him ascend to heaven.

Romans 9-11

These chapters deal with the sovereignty of God in salvation, the current unbelief of Israel, and the eventual mercy God will show to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul emphasizes God's faithfulness to his promises and the mystery of his salvation plan.

1 Corinthians 15:12-58

Paul expounds on the resurrection of the dead, arguing that Christ's resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope. He describes the nature of the resurrected body and proclaims the ultimate victory over death.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:28

Paul addresses concerns about the fate of those who have died before Christ's return, assuring the believers of their participation in the resurrection. He describes the Lord's return as unexpected and calls for continual readiness and encouragement among believers.

2 Thessalonians 2

This chapter deals with the coming of the Lord and the man of lawlessness. Paul encourages the Thessalonians not to be easily unsettled about the Day of the Lord, explaining that certain events must occur first.

1 Timothy 4:1-8

Paul warns Timothy about false teachings and apostasy in the end times, urging him to be a good minister by focusing on godliness. He emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and personal discipline.

2 Timothy 4:1-8

Paul charges Timothy to preach the word diligently in all circumstances, especially since the time will come when people will not endure sound teaching. Paul reflects on his own life as being poured out like a drink offering and the crown of righteousness awaiting him.

Hebrews 1:1-2

The author of Hebrews emphasizes that God, who spoke through prophets in the past, has spoken through his Son in these last days. Jesus is the heir of all things and the one through whom the world was made.

Hebrews 9:26-28

This passage contrasts the Old Covenant's repeated sacrifices with Christ's single, sufficient sacrifice. It speaks of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice to remove sin and his promised return, not to bear sin but to bring salvation to those waiting for him.

James 5:1-8

James encourages believers to be patient and steadfast, awaiting the Lord's coming, who is near.

1 John 2:15-3:10

John warns against loving the world and its desires, contrasting it with doing God's will. He speaks of the Christian hope of being like Christ when he appears and the purifying effect of this hope.

Jude 1:14-25

Jude emphasizes the judgment of the ungodly and the Lord's coming with thousands of his holy ones. He concludes with encouragement to remain in God's love and assurances of God's ability to keep them from stumbling.

Revelation 1-22

The book of Revelation, a prophetic vision given to John, includes letters to seven churches and vivid imagery of the events leading up to the end times. It culminates with the return of Christ, the final judgment, the defeat of evil, and the establishment of a new heaven and new earth.

Here's a list of the Scriptures mentioned above, uninterrupted by the summary of the passage: Genesis 49:1-27, Psalm 2, Psalm 110, Isaiah 2:1-22, Isaiah 7:10-35:10, Isaiah 42:18-56:8, Isaiah 60:1-65:24, Jeremiah 30-31, Ezekiel 33-48, Daniel 2, Daniel 7-12, Hosea 3, Joel 2-3, Amos 8-9, Obadiah 1:15-21, Micah 4-5, Zephaniah 1-3, Zechariah 9-14, Malachi 3-4, Matthew 13, Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 17:20-37, Luke 21:5-36, John 14:1-7, Acts 1:9-11, Romans 9-11, 1 Corinthians 15:12-58, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:28, 2 Thessalonians 2, 1 Timothy 4:1-8, 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Hebrews 1:1-2, Hebrews 9:26-28, James 5:1-8, 1 John 2:15-3:10, Jude 1:14-25, and Revelation 1-22.