If you are a student of eschatology, Matthew 24 is a familiar chapter. In it, Jesus describes what will take place in the time period right before His second coming. He gives us a list of observable events – things we can notice that are going on in our world that allow us to recognize that He is near, right at the door (24:33). The generation that sees these things begin will not pass away until they come to their final, eternal conclusion.

There’s never been a time in history when everything the Bible describes will happen just prior to and during the Tribulation could take place, as it is today. Our enemy, Satan, has been scheming and strategizing for centuries so that all things could align for his pitiful last attempt at overthrowing God. I believe Satan knows the end of the story, but perhaps as a deceiver, he is so filled with hate and lies that he has deceived himself into thinking he has a chance to win. Surely, he is filled with glee and excitement at the current condition of our world, as he realizes everything is almost ready to implement his plan of global control under his puppet, the antichrist, the death by martyrdom of all who will come to faith in Jesus during the Tribulation, and what he believes will be the creation of his own kingdom on earth.

What are some of the signs in this chapter that the world is ready for Satan’s coup against God?

False teachers will abound. For many will come in My name, saying ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many (24:5). I recently read one Bible scholar’s thoughts on this verse. He suggested these will not only be people who claim to be Christ but many who will come in Christ’s name but preach a false gospel that will mislead. Food for thought!

Wars will increase; nations against nations; kingdoms against kingdoms. Nations is the Greek word ethnos, from which we get ethnic. Has there not been a concerted effort to convince us we are all closet racists at heart – a strategy that claims to want unity between races but only serves to divide?

During the Tribulation, there will be unrestrained hatred, persecution, and murder of those who cling to faith in Christ. It’s already happening around the world and coming soon to a city near you. The Bible is already considered “hate speech” in many places. Canada just passed a law banning “conversion therapy” for homosexuals, making it illegal for pastors to preach that Jesus can redeem and change a person’s heart about something that God declares is sin.

Many will fall away from the faith, turning their back on the truth. People will betray one another… “if you see something, say something…” People will hate one another, lawlessness will increase, and brotherly love will grow cold. Crime and violence have been allowed and encouraged like never before over the past two years, as rioters and looters are called “peaceful protestors” and law enforcement agencies are restricted and encouraged not to prosecute. Serious crimes are being reclassified as lesser offenses, allowing law-breaking to increase. The current climate against the “unvaccinated” ALL OVER THE WORLD is truly frightening, as the prevailing attitudes of shunning, shaming, and excluding from society take deeper and deeper hold – even family members supporting this atrocity against their own family.

Jesus mentions the “abomination of desolation,” a prophecy in Daniel which refers to the coming antichrist. Never before have we been positioned for a global society, in every aspect of our lives – food production and distribution, technology, digital currency and banking, medicine…it’s all just a moment away from being controlled by a one-world government. That vaccine passport the world is applauding…it’s simple conditioning for the mark of the beast which will be readily accepted by the masses in exchange for “peace and safety.” Most of the world’s individuals are already being tracked by your friendly smartphone. It’s all in place.

Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming … For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will (24:42,44).

Those who experience the Tribulation will be so consumed with idol worship of the antichrist, they will be shocked when Jesus returns. I believe the Bible teaches that those who place their faith in Christ will not suffer the wrath of God when it is poured out on this world in judgment. We will be raptured before that happens. There are several views of exactly when that may happen relative to the Tribulation; I believe it may be the catalyst that pushes the world into recognizing the antichrist as a world leader, out of fear and chaos. Of course, the official story from Washington will be “it was the aliens,” as we have been pre-programmed by Marvel to recognize it as such!

Just like all of scripture, Jesus told us about these things for a reason. They were prophesied to warn the generation that would see them happen. There are two takeaways.

First, if you are a believer, a true follower of Jesus, then look up … your redemption draws nigh! Whatever hardship, persecution, or even physical death comes, God will sustain us and bring us safely home.

Secondly, if you are not a believer and have not placed your faith in Christ for salvation, by grace alone through faith alone, your future does not look bright. The Tribulation is coming and according to Jesus’ descriptions, these events are already in motion.

I urge you to consider Jesus. Today is the day of salvation for those who will believe.