What does Scripture reveal about the events still to come? The timeline below presents these events from a dispensational, premillennial viewpoint, tracing the biblical sequence from the rapture through the establishment of the Eternal Kingdom. Christians may differ over order of events and timing, but the most important truth is practical and urgent: We must all live in a state of readiness, faithfully watching and waiting for our Lord’s return.
The Rapture
The rapture is the first prophetic event, ushering in the eschaton (Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). Living and deceased believers will be caught up in the air with the Lord. This is important because it will keep the church from the hour of testing, removing her from the place where the wrath of God will be unleashed. The word “rapture” conveys the idea of being “snatched away.”
The Bema Seat judgment will follow the rapture, examining the works of the saints together with the motivations of the heart (1 Corinthians 3:11–4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Works that are worthy will be rewarded, while those that are unworthy will be consumed. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb will follow (Revelation 19:9).
The Day of the Lord and the Tribulation
The Day of the Lord will follow the rapture and its related events (Isaiah 13; 24; Jeremiah 30; Daniel 9:24–27; Joel 2; Matthew 24; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 2; Revelation 6–18). This broad term can refer to the seven-year tribulation, during which God will release His wrath upon mankind and complete His plan for Israel. Referred to as Daniel’s seventieth week, it will be initiated when the Antichrist signs a treaty with Israel.
This period encompasses the rise of the Antichrist and the false prophet; wars; cosmic signs; earthquakes; famines; false messiahs; the Two Witnesses; the abomination that causes desolation; the persecution of the Jews; the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments; the attempt to destroy Jerusalem; and the Battle of Armageddon. Divided into two three-and-a-half-year phases, the tribulation is important because it releases God’s wrath upon a wicked world and brings about the salvation of Israel.
The Salvation of Israel
The salvation of Israel is the next prophetic event (Zechariah 12; Romans 11:26–27; Deuteronomy 30; Leviticus 26; Isaiah 59). After national Israel rejected Jesus at His first advent, she will come to faith in Jesus as the Christ and receive salvation. God continues to have a special plan for unbelieving Israel. Once Israel believes, she will be restored, and the nations will receive greater blessings. This is important because it fulfills one of the two key purposes of the tribulation. National Israel remains a key part of God’s overall plan for creation.
The Second Coming of Christ
The Second Coming of Christ will follow the salvation of Israel (Psalms 2; 110; Isaiah 63; Zechariah 14; Matthew 24; Revelation 19). At this time, Jesus will descend to earth as the Lion of Judah, take His rightful place on David’s throne, and establish His thousand-year reign over the entire earth. Psalm 2 declares that God will give the nations to the Son as an inheritance, and this event will fulfill that prophecy. Just as Christ first came as the Lamb and the Man of Sorrows, He must return as the Lion of Judah and King of Kings.
Closely connected with Christ’s second advent are another set of judgments, the resurrection of Old Testament saints and martyrs, the binding of Satan for one thousand years (Revelation 20:4–6), and the establishment of the millennial kingdom.
The Judgment of the Nations
The judgment of the nations concerning entrance into the kingdom will be the next prophetic event (Matthew 25:31–46; Joel 3). This is also called the sheep and goats judgment. The sheep—the believing Gentiles—will gain entrance to the Kingdom of God, while the goats—the unbelieving Gentiles—will be condemned. It is important for Christ the Judge to administer justice and righteousness to this group of humanity for their works on earth, which reflect the heart’s stance toward God.
The Resurrection of Old Testament Saints and Tribulation Martyrs
The resurrection of Old Testament saints and tribulation martyrs follows the sheep and goats judgment (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 6:9; 20:4). Old Testament saints will be bodily resurrected at this time, along with those martyred during the tribulation. They will come to life and reign with Christ during the millennium. This resurrection is important because the Lord promises His people a recompense in heaven (Matthew 5). He will not forget a single Old Testament or tribulation saint as He unfolds the final phases of His divine program.
The Millennial Reign of Jesus the Messiah on Earth
The millennial reign of Jesus the Messiah on earth will be the next event (Genesis 1:26–28; Isaiah 2; 11; Revelation 20). Jesus will sit on David’s throne in Jerusalem and reign over the earth for one thousand years. Satan will be bound in the abyss for this period. The Millennium is important because all the unconditional covenants will be entirely fulfilled, Christ will finally put His goodness as our Sovereign on display, and all creation will experience peace, security, renewal, prosperity, longevity, health, and fruitfulness. All Jewish and Gentile saints will enjoy Christ’s righteous and glorious reign.
The Final Rebellion and the Great White Throne Judgment
The final rebellion and the Great White Throne Judgment of unbelievers follow (Revelation 20:7–10; Ezekiel 38–39; Revelation 20:11–15). Although the Millennium begins with believers only, by the end of this period some unbelievers will be living who will rebel against the King (Revelation 20:7–10). Satan will be released from the abyss and joined by this band of rebels. The battle of Gog and Magog is connected with this final rebellion. Satan and his forces will be defeated, and unbelievers will face the Great White Throne Judgment.
The Fiery Purging of the Earth
The fiery purging of the earth will, in my opinion, coincide with the Great White Throne Judgment (2 Peter 3), although the timing is debatable. This purging is important because the present earth is fallen, cursed, and unsuitable as the place of God’s abiding presence.
There is debate over whether the current earth will be renovated into the new heavens and new earth (NHNE), or whether it will be utterly destroyed in the purge and the NHNE will be a new entity. I believe both are true, in the same way that a dead body has a one-to-one correspondence with a resurrected saint in heaven. The glorified body is not composed of decomposing matter, yet Scripture describes the body as coming out of the grave, as though its cells are being reconstituted. Your resurrected body will still be your body in one sense and a new body in another. So may it be with the old and new earth. Although the earth does not have a soul, this remains a helpful, biblical analogy.
The Establishment of the Eternal Kingdom
The establishment of the Eternal Kingdom appears to be the last event in God’s program (Revelation 21:1–22:5). The NHNE is heaven in its final form. There will be no sin, curse, or death. The triune God will reside among His peoples. Nations, people groups, and kings will bring their culture and gifts to the capital city, the New Jerusalem. Satan, his angels, and unbelievers will be thrown into hell. The Lord will restore all things (Revelation 21:5).
The NHNE will be a physical reality inhabited by people with translated, glorified bodies. God the Father will be on His throne, unseen, with the Lamb who was slain—the Son—next to Him. The Lamb will be the visible manifestation of the triune God. The Lord will be the source of light for this eternal kingdom.
This final eschatological event is important for many reasons. First, God will usher in perfect righteousness and justice. Second, His prophecies will be completely fulfilled. Third, all creation will be restored. Fourth, God’s people will dwell in His presence and co-reign with Him, all for His glory.
Conclusion
The study of things to come should not lead to futile speculation, but to faithful obedience, steadfast hope, genuine worship, and an expectant life that honors Christ today. Our King is coming; will He find faith on the earth?
