The End Times and the Signs

A Chronological Walk Through Matthew 24 and Revelation

By Apostle Zolisha L Ware

Introduction: Understanding the End Times

Throughout Scripture, God never leaves His people uninformed about what is coming. Jesus Himself gave clear prophetic instruction about the last days so that believers would not live in fear but in awareness and readiness.

In Matthew 24, Jesus describes the beginning signs of the end. The Book of Revelation then reveals the unfolding events that culminate in the return of Christ, the final judgment, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.

These passages together provide a prophetic timeline not to create panic, but to prepare the Church.

Jesus began His teaching with a warning:

“Take heed that no man deceive you.” — Matthew 24:4

Deception is the first sign of the last days.

1. The Beginning of Sorrows

(Matthew 24:4–8)

Jesus describes the early indicators of the end times, calling them the “beginning of sorrows.”

These signs are not the end itself but the birth pains of a new era.

Signs of the Beginning

1. False Messiahs and Deception

Many will claim spiritual authority and mislead people.

“Many shall come in my name… and shall deceive many.” — Matthew 24:5

2. Wars and Rumors of Wars

Global instability and rising conflicts.

“Nation shall rise against nation.” — Matthew 24:7

3. Famines

Food shortages and economic distress.

4. Pestilences

Widespread diseases and pandemics.

5. Earthquakes in Diverse Places

Natural disasters increasing around the world.

Jesus compares these to labor pains meaning the intensity and frequency will increase.

2. Persecution and the Falling Away

(Matthew 24:9–13)

As the world moves deeper into the end times, believers will face increased opposition.

Key Developments

Persecution of Christians

“They shall deliver you up to be afflicted.” — Matthew 24:9

A Great Falling Away

Many who once professed faith will abandon it.

“Many shall be offended… and shall betray one another.” — Matthew 24:10

Lawlessness Increasing

“Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” — Matthew 24:12

The spiritual climate of the world will grow colder toward God.

Yet Jesus gives a promise:

“He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” — Matthew 24:13

3. The Gospel Reaches the Nations

(Matthew 24:14)

Before the end arrives, one prophetic milestone must occur.

“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

The gospel will reach every people group.

Technology, global missions, and digital communication are accelerating this prophetic moment.

4. The Rise of the Antichrist

(Matthew 24:15 / Revelation 13)

Jesus references a prophetic event known as the Abomination of Desolation, originally spoken of by the prophet Daniel.

This moment marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

Revelation expands on this:

A global leader known as the Beast (Antichrist) will emerge.

Characteristics of the Antichrist

• Political authority over nations

• Global economic control

• Demands worship

• Performs deceptive signs and wonders

“All the world wondered after the beast.” — Revelation 13:3

5. The Great Tribulation

(Matthew 24:21 / Revelation 6–18)

Jesus describes this period as the most severe time of suffering in human history.

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world.” — Matthew 24:21

Revelation details the judgments released during this time.

The Seven Seals (Revelation 6)

1. Rider on the white horse – false peace

2. Rider on the red horse – war

3. Rider on the black horse – famine

4. Rider on the pale horse – death

5. Martyrs crying for justice

6. Cosmic disturbances

7. Silence in heaven

6. The Seven Trumpets

(Revelation 8–11)

These judgments intensify the tribulation.

Examples include:

• Burning of vegetation

• Seas turning to blood

• Poisoned water

• Darkness covering the earth

• Demonic torment released

• Massive global warfare

Humanity will witness unprecedented devastation, yet many will still refuse to repent.

7. The Mark of the Beast

(Revelation 13:16–18)

During this time, the Antichrist establishes an economic system requiring allegiance.

“No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark.” — Revelation 13:17

The mark represents loyalty and submission to the Antichrist’s system.

Those who refuse will face persecution but remain faithful to Christ.

8. The Seven Bowls of Wrath

(Revelation 16)

God’s final judgments are poured out on the earth.

These include:

• Painful sores

• Seas turning to blood

• Rivers becoming blood

• Scorching heat from the sun

• Darkness over the beast’s kingdom

• Euphrates River drying up

• The battle of Armageddon

9. The Return of Jesus Christ

(Matthew 24:29–31 / Revelation 19)

After the tribulation, the heavens will open.

“Then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven.” — Matthew 24:30

Jesus returns in glory and power.

Revelation describes Him as:

“King of kings and Lord of lords.” — Revelation 19:16

Christ defeats the Antichrist and the armies gathered against Him.

10. The Millennium

(Revelation 20:1–6)

After His return, Jesus establishes a 1,000-year reign on earth.

During this time:

• Satan is bound

• Christ rules with righteousness

• Peace fills the earth

• The saints reign with Him

11. The Final Judgment

(Revelation 20:11–15)

After the millennium, Satan is released briefly but ultimately defeated.

Then comes the Great White Throne Judgment.

“The dead were judged according to their works.” — Revelation 20:12

Those not found in the Book of Life face eternal separation from God.

12. The New Heaven and New Earth

(Revelation 21–22)

God completes His plan of redemption by creating a new heaven and a new earth.

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men.” — Revelation 21:3

There will be:

• No more death

• No more pain

• No more tears

• Eternal fellowship with God

The story that began in Genesis concludes with restoration in Revelation.

Final Reflection: Living Ready

The purpose of end-time prophecy is not speculation it is preparation.

Jesus gave one final instruction:

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” —

Matthew 24:42

The Church is called to:

• Remain faithful

• Stay spiritually awake

• Proclaim the gospel

• Live with expectation of Christ’s return

The signs are not meant to frighten us.

They are meant to remind us that redemption is drawing near.

(These are my personal study notes from 2021)ZLW