When are the 'end times'?

I have often heard the phrase, end times and the tribulation. Paul wrote that we were in the end times then and I heard on the radio recently some one on about the tribulation and the prophesies associated with it to show it is near.
From what I have read, satan is to be locked in a bottomless pit for a thousand years before the tribulation so how can these scholars tell us that 'the end is nigh'.
Would you comment?

I have often heard the phrase, end times and the tribulation. Paul wrote that we were in the end times then and I heard on the radio recently some one on about the tribulation and the prophesies associated with it to show it is near. From what I have read, satan is to be locked in a bottomless pit for a thousand years before the tribulation so how can these scholars tell us that 'the end is nigh'. Would you comment?

Hi there.

While theologians do have differing opinions, there is general agreement on some Biblical time frames.

As you mentioned, Paul did indeed live in the expectation that Jesus would return soon. I guess that with 2,000 years having gone by since Paul lived, we must be a lot closer now to the return of Christ!

The Bible simply declares that no one will know 'the day or the hour' when this event will happen, but it does give a heap of indicators to look out for. My personal research would indicate that pretty much every prophecy that needed to be fulfilled before Christ's return has been fulfilled. There are however a number of weather/planetary/stars indicators that still have not occurred.

The bottomless pit lockup of Satan does not occur until after the tribulation and return of Jesus (Revelation 20:1).

Many believe (and I sit comfortably with this viewpoint) that there will be an initial return of Jesus to collect all genuine believers and take them back to Heaven. Immediately after this event, those who are 'left behind' will suffer seven years of tribulation. Jesus will then return for a second time, Satan will be dispatched to the bottomless pit for a thousand years, and the earth will be governed by Christ for this thousand years.

Satan will then be let loose for a short time, during when he will successfully deceive those who are alive. He will seek to attack and destroy the rule of Jesus, but will himself be destroyed and eternally dispatched to Hell, along with all who have chosen to follow him.

Is 'the end nigh'?

I believe so, and live in that expectancy. It has to happen sometime!

But the bottom line is that Jesus will come when he comes, no matter what we think or believe.

For me, I just want to be ready.

Lord bless.

Hi there. While theologians do have differing opinions, there is general agreement on some Biblical time frames. As you mentioned, Paul did indeed live in the expectation that Jesus would return soon. I guess that with 2,000 years having gone by since Paul lived, we must be a lot closer now to the return of Christ! The Bible simply declares that no one will know 'the day or the hour' when this event will happen, but it does give a heap of indicators to look out for. My personal research would indicate that pretty much every prophecy that needed to be fulfilled before Christ's return has been fulfilled. There are however a number of weather/planetary/stars indicators that still have not occurred. The bottomless pit lockup of Satan does not occur until after the tribulation and return of Jesus (Revelation 20:1). Many believe (and I sit comfortably with this viewpoint) that there will be an initial return of Jesus to collect all genuine believers and take them back to Heaven. Immediately after this event, those who are 'left behind' will suffer seven years of tribulation. Jesus will then return for a second time, Satan will be dispatched to the bottomless pit for a thousand years, and the earth will be governed by Christ for this thousand years. Satan will then be let loose for a short time, during when he will successfully deceive those who are alive. He will seek to attack and destroy the rule of Jesus, but will himself be destroyed and eternally dispatched to Hell, along with all who have chosen to follow him. Is 'the end nigh'? I believe so, and live in that expectancy. It has to happen sometime! But the bottom line is that Jesus will come when he comes, no matter what we think or believe. For me, I just want to be ready. Lord bless.