INTRODUCTION
A Prophetic Pivot
For centuries, humanity has been captivated by prophecies concerning the end times and many voices within the church have boldly predicted the day of the rapture and of the coming of Christ. Yet, every attempt has led to disappointment and confusion. Truly, history teaches us: “A people who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are bound to repeat them.”
In the quiet hush of the 2023 Christmas season, as we celebrated the First Coming of Christ, my mind was taken to when Jesus Himself spoke of His Second Coming as a period of unprecedented turmoil and a divine contraction before the glorious birth of a new age. During our ministry's New Year’s Service of 2024, the Lord enabled me to share this prophetic word, which is a pivot in the Spirit.
Yet, within this prophetic landscape, there's a subject of intense debate and anticipation: the timing of the Rapture. Will believers be removed from the world before, during, or after the great tribulation? This teaching is not the message many may want to hear, but it is certainly the truth the church must embrace to be prepared for the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
While popular teachings suggest that believers will escape tribulation before Christ comes, the Scriptures declare the opposite. The apostles strengthened the saints by teaching them that entrance into God’s kingdom comes only through much tribulation.
Acts 14:22 (JUB), “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to remain in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
In the Olivet Discourse, recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, the disciples asked Jesus pointed questions: “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” His answer was not a simple, singular sign, but a complex and sobering portrait of the final years. He described a season of seven global birth pangs, a time of converging crises that would test the very fabric of humanity and faith.
It is important for us to know the seven agonies Jesus Himself outlined the signs of His coming and the end of the age and their order of occurrence in scripture, so that we may not be deceived.
Matthew 24:3 (JUB), “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the age?”
Luke 21:7 (LITV), “Teacher, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when these things are about to happen?”
In this teaching, we are going to build this case legally with at least three witnesses - Matthew, Mark and Luke, and we will also call upon John as a fourth to testify from the Book of Revelation among other scriptural witnesses.
2 Corinthians 13:1 (LITV), “In the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter shall be established.”
The great tribulation is part of the believer’s journey before Christ’s glory is revealed.
Revelation 7:14 (NKJV), “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
This prophetic pivot shakes false comforts and confronts shallow end-time teachings with the plain truth of Scripture. Even if only one soul receives it, the message will have accomplished its purpose.
The seven agonies are the labor pains of the global church, birthing the nation of the new Israel.
Isaiah 66:8 (NKJV), “Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children.”
The timing of the rapture and of the coming of Christ can only be known by understanding the Scriptures and not by spiritual gifts alone.
No woman who gives birth through normal delivery can know the exact day and time the baby will come, but the birth pains and signs of pregnancy can help her to prepare for the coming newborn.
Matthew 24:36-44 (NKJV), “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
The above passage emphasizes the mystery, suddenness, and urgency of the coming of Christ, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and spiritual readiness. Jesus makes it clear that no one, not even the angels nor the Son, knows the exact day or hour of His coming; it is reserved in the Father’s authority alone.
Acts 1:7, "And He said to them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in His own authority."
No angel by vision, and no human being by prophecy, has been granted permission to predict when the coming of Christ and the rapture will happen.
Drawing parallels to the days of Noah, when people lived carelessly until sudden judgment fell, Jesus warns that many will be caught unprepared. The imagery of one being taken and another left underscores the separation that will happen during the rapture at His coming, showing the personal and decisive nature of God’s judgment.
So, the repeated call to “watch and pray” is not merely about observing outward signs, but about cultivating inner alertness, holiness, and readiness, lest the cares of life, sin, or spiritual slumber cause believers to be ensnared. Just as a thief comes without warning, so will the Son of Man, making continual faithfulness, watchfulness, and prayer the only safeguard to stand worthy before Him.
In Mark, Jesus emphasizes that His followers need to watch and pray for His coming at an unexpected time, just like servants left to work by their master in his house, and do not know when he will return.
Mark 13:32-37 (NKJV), “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
In Luke, Jesus warns His followers to always watch and pray so that they may be counted worthy to escape the wrath of God at His coming, for He will "come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth," just like servants left to work by their master in his house, and do not know when he will return.
Luke 21:34-36 (NKJV), “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The seven agonies are not hidden mysteries revealed by visions or prophecies, they are plain signs recorded in the Bible. Jesus likened these agonies to the budding of the fig tree. The parable of the fig tree is an analogy for discerning the signs of the coming of Christ. Just as the budding of a fig tree's branches and the appearance of its leaves signal the imminent arrival of summer, the "things happening" that Jesus described indicate that His coming and the Kingdom of God are near, even "at the doors."
He emphasizes that just as one can naturally recognize the change in seasons by observing the trees, His followers should be able to recognize the nearness of His coming by observing these prophetic events. The parable teaches believers to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, not to be caught unaware by these significant events, much like a person isn't surprised by summer when they see the trees blossoming.
Matthew 24:32-35 (LITV), "But learn the parable of the fig tree: When its branch becomes tender and it puts out leaves, you know that the summer is near; so also you, when you see all these things, know that it is near at the doors. Truly I say to you, In no way will this generation pass away until all these things have occurred. The heaven and the earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away, never!"
Mark 13:28-29 (LITV), "And from the fig tree learn the parable: When its branch becomes tender and puts out leaves, you know the summer is near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near, at the doors."
The parable of the fig tree above serves as a prophetic lesson pointing to the signs of the coming of Christ. Just as the budding of the fig tree indicates the nearness of summer, so too the unfolding of specific prophetic events reveals the nearness of Christ’s coming.
The fig tree, often symbolic of Israel in Scripture (Hosea 9:10; Jeremiah 24:1–10), can be seen as a signpost in God’s prophetic calendar, with its budding linked to the restoration and regathering of Israel, particularly in the 20th century.
Beyond Israel, Luke’s account broadens the parable to include “all the trees,” suggesting that global events and shifts among the nations also point to the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Luke 21:29-33 (NKJV), "Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
When the world begins to witness the convergence of these foretold signs, it signals that Christ’s coming and the establishment of His Kingdom are “at the doors.” Just as the seasons cannot be delayed once the fig tree blossoms, the divine timeline will not fail, for though heaven and earth may pass away, the unchanging words of Christ remain certain.
To prepare for the coming of Christ, believers must live as faithful and wise servants, consistently stewarding their God-given responsibilities with diligence and integrity. Jesus warned His followers against sleeping and complacency, for whoever will be caught unprepared by His sudden coming will suffer eternal consequences.
Matthew 24:45-51 (NKJV), “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Jesus emphasizes that readiness is not passive waiting but active obedience by feeding others in due season is spiritual service, care, and teaching as shepherds.
John 21:15–17 (NKJV), "So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep."
The danger is in complacency, as seen in the evil servant who, presuming delay, mistreats others and lives in self-indulgence. Scripture repeatedly warns against such neglect: Paul exhorts believers to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16), while Peter urges vigilance, saying, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7).
Christ will come unexpectedly, like a thief, blessing those who keep their garments (works of righteousness) undefiled.
Revelation 16:15 (NKJV), “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
Revelation 19:8 (ESV), "It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints."
Preparation, therefore, means cultivating faithfulness, love, holiness, and perseverance, so that when Christ returns, we may be found watching, ready, and pleasing in His sight (Luke 12:35–40).
2 Timothy 4:7–8, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day; and not to me only, but also to all those who love His appearing."
To navigate this profound prophecy, I have put these “birth pangs” into a framework we’ll call the Seven Agonies of the Coming of Christ, following their order in Matthew 24.
Significantly, these AGONIES form an acronym that outlines the very conditions Jesus foretold in a way that will help us to remember them. Here are the AGONIES for the seven birth pangs, with each letter representing one of the signs:
A.G.O.N.I.E.S.
- A – Apostasy & False Christs: Deception by false messiahs, false prophets and a great falling away from the faith.
- G – Global Conflicts: Wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom.
- O – Ongoing Famines: Shortages of food and the Word worldwide
- N – Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, pestilences
- I – Intense Persecution: Believers hated, betrayed and killed
- E – Evil Multiplies: Lawlessness abounding and the love of many growing cold.
- S – Spread of the Gospel: The Gospel of the Kingdom preached to all nations before the end
A – APOSTASY AND DECEPTION
Deception by false messiahs, false prophets and a great falling away.
Matthew 24:4-5 | Mark 13:5-6 | Luke 21:8
The very first words of Jesus in His profound Olivet Discourse are not about wars or natural disasters. They are a warning about a subtle, internal, and profound danger threatening the foundation of the faith. Before the world shakes with outward chaos, the spirit of the age will be marked by a great spiritual seduction. This is the first and foundational agony, or birth pang.
As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, His disciples asked about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). Jesus begins His response to the disciples' question with a strong warning: "Take heed that no one deceives you." Apostasy and deception mark the beginning of the end.
This warning is echoed in all three synoptic gospels (Mark 13:5-6, Luke 21:8), to show its importance. The first sign of the end times is a massive departure from biblical truth and a rise of convincing counterfeits.
The reason deception and apostasy are the first signs Jesus mentions is that they are the primary means by which the enemy seeks to undermine the faith of believers.
Before physical persecution, wars, or famines, the spiritual battle for truth is waged. By weakening the church from within through false teaching and a departure from the truth, the enemy prepares the way for all the other agonies.
It is a spiritual foundation that must be laid before the other physical and political signs can fully manifest.
What Is Apostasy?
The word apostasy comes from the Greek "apostasia," a combination of "apo"(away from) and "stasis" (standing or position), and it means “a defiance of an established system or authority; a rebellion; an abandonment or departure.” Literally, apostasy means “a standing away from” or "defection."
In spiritual terms, apostasy is the deliberate abandonment of one’s faith or allegiance to Christ. It refers to a deliberate falling away from, or rejection of, the core truths of Christianity by those who once professed to believe them.
This is not merely about individual doubt or personal struggle; it is an organized, widespread turning away from sound doctrine. The apostle Paul, echoing Christ’s warning, named apostasy as the unmistakable first act of the final events leading to the Day of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NKJV), “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.”
Here, Paul directly links the “falling away” (apostasy) to the ultimate deception at the revelation of the Antichrist. Apostasy creates the spiritual vacuum that the ultimate deceiver will fill. Apostasy doesn’t just happen overnight. It starts subtly with deception.
Deception Leads to Apostasy
Apostasy is not sudden; it is a slow drift away from sound doctrine (Hebrews 2:1). It begins with compromise, leads to deception, and ends in the falling away itself.
Apostasy is the result; deception is the method. Deception is believing something that is false as though it were true. The Greek word for deception, "planos," implies a wandering or going astray, a deviation from the truth. This isn't just a simple mistake; it's a deliberate straying from the revealed word of God.
Jesus warned that this deception would be powerful and persuasive. It wouldn’t come from obvious atheists but from within the broad religious sphere: “many will come in my name.” They will use Christian language, appear in religious settings, and claim to have divine authority.
Matthew 24:4-5 NKJV, "And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many."
Jesus's warning goes beyond mere false prophets; it includes those who will come "in My name," claiming to represent Him while leading people away from true faith. These deceivers will operate in the name of Jesus, some even claiming “I am the Christ,” and sadly many will follow them.
The danger is not only false messiahs but also false prophets, false teachers, and false gospels. The New Testament is full with warnings about this coming wave of deceit including false teachers and prophets.
2 Peter 2:1, "But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction."
Paul speaks of false apostles disguised as "angels of light" (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), who introduce teachings that contradict foundational Christian doctrines.
The apostle Paul, in his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, cautioned them, "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves" (Acts 20:29-30).
This warns of an internal betrayal, a turning away from the truth from within the church itself.
The accounts in Mark and Luke highlight even more.
Mark 13:5-6 (LITV), "And answering, Jesus began to say to them, Be careful that no one lead you astray. For many will come in My name, saying, I AM! And they will lead many astray."
Luke 21:8 (LITV), "And He said, Watch that you not be led astray. For many will come on My name, saying, I AM! Also, The time has come! Do not go after them."
From the above scriptures we see:
- “I AM” claims usurping divine identity
- False timing of the Lord’s return and rapture - “The time has come!”
- A call to beware, watch, and not go after them.
Jesus said that this deception would be supernatural and convincing.
Matthew 24:24 (NKJV), “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
This deception of the modern day prophetic wave is not a mere human intellectual movement; it has a dark spiritual origin - fallen angels.
1 Timothy 4:1 (NKJV), “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”
This "falling away" manifests in various forms. Matthew 24:12 warns that "because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." As iniquity increases, so does indifference to spiritual matters.
Paul tells Timothy, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers" (2 Timothy 4:3).
Paul also warns of “another gospel” and declares that even if an angel preaches a different message, he is accursed (Galatians 1:6–8).
Jude 1:4 warns about 'extreme grace" when he speaks of "certain men have crept in unnoticed...who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ."
Seven Warnings from the Gospels
There are seven things to note from the three scriptures mentioned above:
- Jesus warns us to not be led astray.
- Many will come in His name.
- Some will claim to be the Christ and others will proclaim that "I AM!"
- Many will be deceived.
- Jesus commands us to be careful and to watch.
- We are told not to follow them.
- They will prematurely declare that the time of the coming of Christ and rapture has come.
These warnings are urgent, because those who don’t understand the true prophetic order of events leading to the coming of Christ will be vulnerable to deception.
Apostasy is often driven by a desire for a faith that conforms to our culture and comforts (especially financial well-being and material prosperity) through an ear-tickling message, rather than to Christ through sound teaching.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NKJV), "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV), “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
The Antichrist Will Appear Before the Coming of Christ and the Rapture
The Antichrist himself is the one who will appear before the actual coming of Christ and the rapture by which we shall be gathered unto Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (WEB), "Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to him (rapture), we ask you not to be quickly shaken in your mind, and not be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as if from us, saying that the day of Christ has already come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God."
Scripture is clear that there will be many antichrists, but one main Antichrist will emerge as a global deceiver.
1 John 2:18 (WEB), "Little children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the final hour."
If you don't understand the seven agonies, you will fall victim to at least one of these many antichrists and their tricks.
False teachings which distort or ignore the sequence of prophetic events in the seven agonies in the Bible paving the way for widespread apostasy by preparing people to believe in a false rapture and receive the antichrist.
The Deceptive Power of the Antichrist
The book of Revelation shows us the terrifying climax of this first agony. The spirit of deception that Jesus first warned about becomes personified in two end-times figures: the Antichrist and his False Prophet.
The Beast from the Sea (Antichrist) is a political ruler who receives authority from the dragon (Satan) and demands worldwide worship for Satan and for himself.
Revelation 13:3-4 (NKJV),“And all the world marveled and followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast.”
The Beast from the Earth (False Prophet) is a religious leader who performs great signs and miracles to deceive the earth into worshiping the first beast.
Revelation 13:14 (NKJV), “He deceives those who dwell on the world by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast.”
The False Prophet, working alongside the Beast (Antichrist), will use miraculous signs to deceive.
Revelation 13:13–14 (WEB), “And he performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by the signs...”
These lying wonders are not fake signs. They are real, but powered by darkness, designed to mislead even the elect if possible.
Matthew 24:24 NKJV, “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."
These unholy two will engineer a global system of deception so potent that it will require a “mark of the Beast” (Revelation 13:16-17) for anyone to buy or sell, economically forcing allegiance to the lie.
In Revelation 17:1–6, the great harlot (mystery Babylon) seduces kings and multitudes with her false religion and immorality. This shows us that the end-time apostasy will not be limited to the Church, it will be global deception, uniting religion, politics, and economy under the antichrist system.
Revelation 18:23 (NKJV), "The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived."
How Do We Guard Against Apostasy in an Age of Deception?
Jesus’s initial command, “Take heed that no one deceives you,” is both a warning and a promise. It implies that we can guard against it. How?
- Stay grounded in Scripture. Know the Word (Acts 17:11) and the truth, for it is the only defense against the deception that leads to apostasy. By knowing the truth, we can identify the lies. As Jesus Himself stated in John 8:32, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." You cannot spot a counterfeit if you don’t know the real thing. Immerse yourself in the Scripture. As Paul said, we must no longer be “children, tossed to and from and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).
- Test the spirits and teachings. Does a teaching align with the full counsel of God’s Word? Does it glorify Christ or man? “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world,” (1 John 4:1, NKJV).
- Cling to sound doctrine. In a world that scoffs at absolute truth, hold fast to the historic, orthodox faith delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). Love the truth. Paul says those who perish do so because “they did not receive the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10).
- Remain in Christ. Stay connected to Him through prayer and obedience (John 15:4–5).
- Hold fast to the faith – Don’t compromise under cultural or political pressure (Hebrews 10:23).
- Be discerning of “signs and wonders.” Miraculous power is never a sole test of truth. If a message contradicts Scripture, no amount of signs validates it (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).
If we don't understand the seven AGONIES of Christ’s return, we risk being confused, deceived, or even swept into apostasy. The enemy is strategic, his greatest weapon is to use fearful deception wrapped in false light. Yet, even in the midst of rising deception, God preserves a faithful remnant.
Matthew 24:13, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
The deception will increase, but so will the clarity of God’s truth and the faith of His saints.
The first of the seven AGONIES upon us is a wake-up call. We see it in the blurring of lines between Christianity and secular culture, in the rise of cults and “another gospel” that preaches prosperity without repentance.
Apostasy and deception are no longer distant future threats, they are present realities. From false teachings in churches to counterfeit spiritual movements sweeping nations, the danger is real.
But for the watchful believer, this is not a cause for panic, but for preparedness. It is the first, sure sign that the redemption we long for is drawing ever nearer. The good news is that truth is stronger than lies, and Christ is greater than the deceiver.
If we remain steadfast, watchful, and rooted in His Word, we will overcome. The cure to deception is not intellectual cleverness, but a deep, abiding relationship with the Lord and a firm adherence to His Word.
G – GLOBAL CONFLICTS
Wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom
Matthew 24:6–7 | Mark 13:7–8 | Luke 21:9–10
If the first agony, Apostasy and Deception, is the spiritual requirement for the end times, the second is its physical manifestation. After warning His disciples of the coming great seduction, Jesus immediately described the world’s political landscape in the last days. It would be characterized not by peace and safety, but by growing, widespread violence.
This second agony: global conflicts, speaks of unrest among nations, geopolitical instability, and a world spiraling into conflict on an unprecedented scale.
Matthew 24:6–7 (NKJV), “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars... For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom...”
In Revelation, during the breaking of the second seal, a red horse appears whose rider takes away peace from the earth.
Revelation 6:4 (ESV), “And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another...”
This symbolizes the spirit of war unleashed in the earth, mirroring what Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24.
Wars and Rumors of Wars
Jesus said we will hear of "wars" (actual conflict) and then of "rumors of wars" (threats, fears, and rising tensions). This phrase suggests that news of conflicts will spread widely. In our day, through instant media, wars in distant lands become global headlines within seconds.
Mark 13:7, “But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.”
Luke 21:9, “But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first; but the end will not come immediately.”
Here, Jesus gives two key truths that conflicts are inevitable, and that they are not the final sign, but the beginning of birth pangs. These represent both visible violence like the Russia versus Ukraine and Israel versus Hamas wars (ongoing at the time of writing this teaching) and mental warfare or instability such as the threat of war between North and South Korea. In other words, it's not just about war happening, but also the fear of war.
We live in a time where:
- Nations possess nuclear weapons
- Global alliances are fragile
- Political rhetoric is charged
- Civil unrest within countries is common
- Media amplifies every rumor, creating global anxiety
These realities fulfill Jesus’ words in vivid detail. The phrase "rumors of wars" suggests a state of constant tension and anxiety, where the threat of conflict is ever-present, even in times of supposed peace.
Wars, violence, and rising hostility between nations and kingdoms are signs that the world is moving toward the climax of history. These conflicts are not random, they are part of God’s prophetic timeline.
War isn’t new, humanity has always fought. But what Jesus describes goes beyond isolated conflict.
He points to global unrest (nation against nation) that intensifies like labor pains by increasing in frequency, scale, and impact.
The 20th Century witnessed two World Wars and Cold War, and the introduction of atomic and nuclear bombs.
The 21st Century has seen increased terrorism, cyber warfare, civil wars, and proxy wars.
Today, Russia is at war with Ukraine, Israel with Gaza, and there are rising tensions in the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East
The world is becoming increasingly polarized, peace is fragile and the threat of the world war spoken of in the Bible as the battle of Armageddon is becoming more realistic.
The opening of the second seal in Revelation 6:3-4 introduces a fiery red horse, whose rider "was granted to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword."
This imagery corresponds to Jesus's prophecy of a world stripped of peace and plunged into violence.
This will all culminate in the final great conflict described in Revelation 16 and 19 as the battle of Armageddon. This is where the "kings of the earth and of the whole world" will gather together for "the battle of that great day of God Almighty" (Revelation 16:14).
It is the final military and political confrontation of the AGONIES, where the nations of the world, under the influence of the Antichrist and his forces, will gather against Christ at His second coming.
Nation Against Nation
In the Greek, the phrase “nation against nation” is "ethnos epi ethnos." Ethnos refers to any ethnic people group or nation-state.
This doesn’t just refer to political wars but includes ethnic conflicts, tribal wars, racial tensions, and civil unrests or revolutions.
It has to do with both internal division within nations and external war between nations.
Kingdom Against Kingdom
This refers to governments and powers clashing politically, militarily, or ideologically.
It can include alliances like NATO breaking down, power struggles between superpowers, competing worldviews (such as democracy vs authoritarianism, or secularism vs theocracy).
We see this throughout history, but in the end times, such conflicts will intensify. Daniel 7:23 speaks about a fourth beast (world empire) will “devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces.” In Zechariah 14:2 the nations gather against Jerusalem in the final conflict.
Wars will escalate from regional disputes to global clashes that involve alliances, superpowers, and coalitions.
How Do We Respond to War?
Jesus wasn’t predicting history, He was showing His followers how to interpret future world events spiritually. Every war, every uprising, and every geopolitical shift is a reminder that the world is groaning for redemption (Romans 8:22). In the midst of these terrifying warnings, Jesus offers comforting advice to calm down.
Matthew 24:6b (NKJV), “See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”
Mark 13:7 (WEB), “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet."
These conflicts are signs of the end, and are not the end itself. They are part of the birthing process of the kingdom to come.
Luke 21:9 (WEB), "When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come immediately.”
As the Church of Jesus Christ, we must not be asleep (1 Thessalonians 5:6). We must:
- Stay informed, but not anxious (Philippians 4:6-7). Our hope is not in global peace accords but in the Prince of Peace. These conflicts, however horrifying, are under God’s sovereign control (“all these things must come to pass”) and are part of His ultimate plan to establish His kingdom. Believers are called to live with discernment, not fear. Any messages on the rapture and second coming of Christ that leave people in fear based on wars and rumors of wars are not from God. They come from deceiving spirits seeking to lead people astray.
- Preach the Gospel with a sense of urgency (2 Timothy 4:2)
- Intercede for the nations (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We are to be people who “seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11) and pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Yet, our ultimate trust is not in the absence of war but in the presence of God, who is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Psalm 46, which describes nations in uproar and kingdoms falling, ends with the glorious command: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10).
- Understand the prophetic times (1 Chronicles 12:32). Rather than causing panic, the rise of global conflict should soberly remind the believer that the return of Christ is nearer than it has ever been (Romans 13:11-12). It is a signpost, pointing to the end of history.
- Fix our hope on Christ’s kingdom. 2 Peter 3:13 says, “We look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
- While human history is full of wars, the Bible assures us that the final chapter belongs to Christ. Isaiah 2:4 says, “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” Micah 4:3 says, "Peace will flow from Jerusalem in the Messianic reign." The wars of this age are temporary. The Prince of Peace will reign, and His kingdom will have no end.
While humanity’s strife will reach an unprecedented height, global conflict is a preordained path to the final, victorious exaltation of Jesus Christ. The wars of man will be silenced by the word of God.
After the initial spiritual deception, global conflicts are the most direct and visible manifestation of the world’s brokenness. They are a physical sign that humanity, having strayed from God, is now descending into chaos.
This agony is a natural result of the first; as iniquity and apostasy increase, so does man's hostility toward his fellow man, leading to widespread violence and division. Jesus said these are only the "beginning of sorrows," a sign that the final AGONIES are drawing near but are not yet upon us.
The increasing frequency and intensity of these conflicts are like the labor pains of a woman in childbirth, they signal that the birth of a new age is imminent. The increasing unrest is a sign that the Kingdom of God is near. As believers, we must not panic, but we must be prepared.
The world will grow darker before the dawn of Christ’s return. Wars and rumors of wars are painful but expected birth pangs. Yet, believers need not fear. Our hope is not in fragile peace treaties or human governments but in the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ.
John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
ONGOING FAMINES
Shortages of food and the Word worldwide
Matthew 24:7 | Mark 13:8 | Luke 21:11
Famines – The Shaking of Provision
Famines speak of food shortages, economic crisis, and the collapse of supply systems. A famine is more than just a food shortage; it is a catastrophic collapse of a region's ability to sustain life. The world is currently experiencing severe food shortages and famines, fulfilling biblical prophecies about the end times.
Jesus Himself warned that famines would be one of the signs before His coming.
Matthew 24:7 (NKJV), "...And there will be famines... in various places."
Mark 13:8 (NKJV), "..and there will be famines and troubles, these are the beginning of sorrows."
Luke 21:11 (NKJV), "..and famines..."
These verses indicate that famines are part of the "birth pains" (sorrows, agonies) leading to Christ’s return. The Greek word for "sorrows" (odin) refers to labor pains, intensifying in frequency and severity before the final deliverance.
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 (NKJV), "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape."
These famines are part of the "birth pains" (agonies) signaling the nearing of the coming of Christ and the rapture of the Church. They are the third agony.
Throughout Scripture, famine is often a direct instrument of God's judgment and a call to repentance. In Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, including famine.
Leviticus 26:19-20, “I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. And your strength shall be spent in vain; for your land shall not yield its produce, nor shall the trees of the land yield their fruit.”
Famines are a direct result of the first two agonies. Wars and conflicts disrupt agriculture, destroy supply chains, and displace populations, leading to widespread food shortages and starvation. This fulfillment of prophecy can be seen in history, where armed conflicts have almost always been accompanied by famine.
Throughout history, famines have affected nations being caused by war, drought, pestilence, or mismanagement; leading to poverty, migration, and political instability.
But in the end times, Jesus said famines would increase and happen globally. Famines also reveal the fragility of human systems. In times of famine, people must decide whether they depend on man or turn to God.
The book of Revelation describes a devastating famine. When the Lamb opens the third seal with the black horse, he hears a voice announcing food prices.
Revelation 6:5-6 (NKJV), "When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”"
This prophecy describes hyper-inflation and extreme scarcity where a man must work all day just to buy enough bread to feed himself, with nothing left for his family. The passage shows extreme food scarcity, where basic staples become unaffordable. A denarius was a day’s wage, meaning people would work all day just to buy enough bread to survive (Matthew 20:2).
The False Prophet ensures that economic participation is tied to worship of the Antichrist: “and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:17).
This control over commerce will undoubtedly be used to create artificial famines for those who refuse the mark.
Today, multiple factors contribute to widespread hunger:
- Wars disrupt food production and distribution (Ezekiel 38-39, Matthew 24:6-7).
- Droughts, floods, and extreme weather devastate crops (Revelation 16:8-9).
- Inflation and supply chain failures drive up food prices (James 5:1-6).
- Diseases affecting livestock and plants reduce food supplies (Revelation 6:6).
Regions most affected are Africa (Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia), Middle East (Yemen, Syria), Asia (Afghanistan, North Korea) and Latin America (Venezuela, Haiti).
The End-time Spiritual Famine of the Word and Other Related Things
One of the most sobering prophecies in Scripture is not about war, plagues, or economic collapse, but about spiritual famine. The prophet Amos warned of a time when people would desperately search for God’s Word but fail to find it
Amos 8:11–12, “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.”
This prophecy describes the end-time famine of the Word, a spiritual drought more devastating than physical hunger. The famine of the Word does not mean that Bibles will disappear from the earth. Bibles are more accessible than ever before, with countless translations available in print and digital formats. Instead, it means that even when the Scriptures are present, people will no longer hear, understand, or receive the truth of God’s Word. Hearts will be hardened, ears closed, and eyes blinded.
Isaiah 6:9-10 (NKJV), "And He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ “Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed.”
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV), "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."
It's a famine of:
- True teaching: It is a lack of genuine, spirit-led teaching that leads to transformation. Instead, there's a rise in watered-down messages, self-help sermons, or prosperity-focused teachings that don't address the core issues of sin, repentance, and true discipleship.
- True worship: People honoring God with lips but not with hearts (Isaiah 29:13; John 4:23–24).
- Prayer: When prayer becomes rare and people rely on human strength instead of God (Luke 18:1–8).
- Righteousness: When iniquity abounds and love grows cold (Matthew 24:12).
- Discernment: People lose the ability to tell the difference between truth and error. They are easily swayed by false doctrines or charismatic leaders who manipulate the scriptures for control and personal gain.
- Spiritual authority: The church, as a whole, is losing her spiritual authority and influence because she has compromised her message. When the salt loses its flavor, it's good for nothing.
- The manifest presence of God: When people live in sin continually, God’s Spirit will no longer strive with man (Genesis 6:3). When the true word of God is absent, so is God's presence. People may be going through the motions of religion and experiencing miracles of power, but they're not encountering the presence of God.
Here’s how spiritual famine manifests:
- Deception: Before a famine, there is often an abundance of counterfeits. The apostle Paul explicitly warns that in the latter times, people will "not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4). The famine isn't a lack of "spiritual" content; it's a surplus of false content that crowds out the truth.
- Rise of false prophets and teachers: The Bible warns us about many who claim to speak for God but are instead spreading deceitful doctrines. They often focus on external signs, wealth, and worldly success rather than the inward work of sanctification.
- A seared conscience: When people consistently reject truth, their spiritual senses become dulled. Paul describes those whose consciences are "seared" as with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2). They become unable to distinguish between right and wrong, holy and profane. The Word of God no longer convicts or comforts people, but they correct the scriptures instead.
- Spiritual blindness and deafness: Jesus often said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." This is a spiritual capacity to receive truth. In judgment, God can confirm a person's choice to reject Him by allowing a hardening of their heart (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). They look for truth but cannot see it; they listen but cannot understand its significance. The words are there, but the spiritual ability to receive them is gone.
- Spiritual emptiness: Despite the noise and activity of modern life, many people feel a deep sense of emptiness and longing. They try to fill this void with temporary pleasures, but their souls are still hungry for something more.
- Shallow Christianity: Many people identify as Christians but have a very superficial understanding of their faith. Their lives are indistinguishable from those who don't believe, and their faith is based more on tradition or a cultural identity than a personal relationship with Christ.
- Moral decay in the Church: When the Word is not central, sin and corruption can flourish within the very institutions meant to represent God. Hypocrisy and scandals erode the credibility of the faith. When the salt loses its saltiness, what is left?
This famine is a judgment from God, allowing people to reap the results of rejecting His truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:11, “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.”
Throughout Scripture, God has warned and shown how He withdraws His voice when people refuse to listen.
In Samuel’s day, “the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision” (1 Samuel 3:1).
In Micah’s time, God told corrupt prophets that night and darkness would fall on them, leaving them without vision or revelation (Micah 3:6–7).
During Jerusalem’s fall, “her prophets also find no vision from the LORD” (Lamentations 2:9).
When people despise God’s Word, He eventually withdraws it, leading to confusion, deception, and destruction.
The endtime famine is marked by rejection of sound doctrine, rise of false teachers and prophets, spiritual dryness despite religious activity, and hunger for excitement instead of truth.
Famine will escalate, leading to mass death. Before the rapture and coming of Christ, the world will enter the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), where famine worsens. The Antichrist’s economic control will restrict food access (Revelation 13:16-17).
Mystery Babylon will be plagued by famine among other things.
Revelation 18:8 (NKJV), "Therefore her plagues will come in one day - death and mourning and famine."
The fourth seal of Revelation releases the pale horse whose rider is Death and he kills a quarter of the earth by famine and three other judgments.
Revelation 6:7-8 (NKJV), "When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, ‘Come and see.’ So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth."
How Believers Can Survive the End-time Famine
God never leaves His remnant without hope. Even in the darkest times, He promises to satisfy those who hunger and thirst for Him (Isaiah 55:1–2, Psalm 107:9, Matthew 5:6).
To survive the famine, believers must:
- Be Watchful (Matthew 24:42-44) – Recognize the signs. Pray for discernment. We need to constantly ask God for the wisdom to tell the difference between truth and error. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.
- Value God’s Word daily – Live by every word from His mouth (Matthew 4:4). Immerse yourself in the Word. The best defense against a spiritual famine is to have a deep, personal relationship with God through His word. Don't just read it; study it, meditate on it, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding.
- Walk in the Spirit – Stay sensitive to His voice and presence (Galatians 5:25). Regularly ask God to soften your heart to hear His voice. Pray the prayer of Samuel: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9). Be quick to repent when the Spirit convicts you, keeping your spiritual channels clear.
- Trust God’s provision. Just as He sustained Elijah during famine (1 Kings 17:6), He sustains His people.
- Pray for the Hungry (James 2:15-16) – Support relief efforts.
- Prepare practically. Use wisdom in managing resources (Proverbs 6:6).
- Guard against deception – Test every teaching by Scripture (1 John 4:1).
- Stay in prayer – Build intimacy with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Live Righteously (1 John 2:28) – Be ready for Christ’s coming.
- Fellowship with the faithful – Encourage one another as the Day approaches (Hebrews 10:25). Connect with a healthy Church. Seek out a local body of believers where the Word of God is taught faithfully and in its fullness. Find a community that prioritizes genuine worship, discipleship, and a passion for God's truth. Test what you hear against the Scripture itself.
- Share the Gospel (Matthew 24:14) – Time is short. The most effective way to combat the famine is to be a source of living water for others. Share the authentic, transforming message of the gospel with those who are spiritually thirsty.
The ongoing famines are a fulfillment of prophecy, marking the third birth pang before Christ’s return. As food shortages intensify, believers must stay alert, pray, and preach the Gospel, knowing that the Day is near.
Luke 21:28, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
The prophecy of the end-time famine of the Word is a sobering reminder that we cannot take God's truth for granted. We must be intentional about our spiritual lives, guarding our hearts and minds against the deceptions of the world and remaining firmly rooted in the life-giving Word of God.
This prophecy isn't a cause for despair but a call to action. We can and must prepare ourselves and others.
N – NATURAL DISASTERS
Earthquakes and pestilences
Matthew 24:7| Mark 13:8| Luke 21:11
Natural Disasters: Earthquakes and Pestilences
After warning of deception (A – Apostasy), conflicts (G – Global Conflicts) and famines (O - Ongoing Famines, Jesus continued unfolding the signs that would come before His return. He warned of a series of natural disasters and widespread suffering marked by outbreaks of pestilences, and earthquakes. Earthquakes and pestilences are the fourth agony, indicating we are moving closer to the coming of Christ and the rapture.
Jesus listed earthquakes and pestilences (diseases) among the signs of the end times.
Matthew 24:7 (NKJV), “And there will be ...pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”
Luke 21:11 (NKJV), “And there will be great earthquakes in various places, ...and pestilences…”
As the world witnesses an unprecedented surge in earthquakes, pestilences, and other natural disasters, Bible-believing Christians recognize these events as fulfillments of end-time prophecy.
These are not random events, they are prophetic indicators of global shaking. They are part of the “beginning of sorrows” or birth pangs (Matthew 24:8) that increase in intensity and frequency as the coming of Christ draws closer.
Mark 13:8 (WEB), "...There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be ...troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains."
These disasters remind us that the earth itself is groaning under the weight of sin and awaiting redemption. The progression from political turmoil to natural catastrophe shows the holistic breakdown of the world order as the end times draw near.
Jesus said earthquakes would occur "in various places" (Matthew 24:7), and today we see increased quaking activity (Turkey, Japan, California, Indonesia), "swarm" earthquakes (unusual clusters of quakes), and mega-thrust earthquakes (potential for tsunamis).
Before the coming of Christ and the rapture, the world will enter the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), where natural disasters intensify as shown in the trumpet judgments (Revelation 8-9).
- In the first trumpet, hail and fire mixed with blood burn a third of the earth (Revelation 8:7).
- In the second trumpet, a great mountain of fire plunges into the sea, killing marine life (Revelation 8:8-9).
- In the third trumpet, a star (a fallen angel called Wormwood) poisons freshwater (Revelation 8:10-11) .
- In the fourth trumpet, a third of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened (Revelation 8:12).
After the coming of Christ and the rapture (Revelation 14:14-20), the world will enter God's Wrath where natural disasters reach their peak in the bowl judgments (Revelation 16).
- In the first bowl, painful sores shall be on those who took the mark of the Beast (Revelation 16:2).
- In the second bowl, the sea turns to blood, killing all marine life (Revelation 16:3).
- In the third bowl, rivers and springs become blood (Revelation 16:4-7).
- In the fourth bowl, scorching heat burns people with fire (Revelation 16:8-9).
- In the fifth bowl, darkness and agony on the Beast’s kingdom (Revelation 16:10-11).
- In the sixth bowl, armies gather at Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).
- In the seventh bowl, the greatest earthquake ever, hailstones weighing a talent - about 34–36 kg/75–80 pounds (Revelation 16:17-21)).
Pestilences (Diseases and Plagues) – The Shaking of Health
Pestilences (deadly diseases, pandemics) are another birth pang. In Greek, the word “loimos” refers to plagues, infectious diseases, or deadly outbreaks.
It is the unseen enemy that sweeps through populations, often following after war and famine.
Pestilences are a partner of war and famine as God's “four severe judgments,”
Ezekiel 14:19, “Or if I send a pestilence into that land and pour out My fury on it in blood, and cut off from it man and beast, even though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,” says the Lord God.”
2 Chronicles 7:13, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people...”
The two witnesses of Revelation have the power to strike the earth with pestilences as often as they want, among other things.
Revelation 11:6 (NKJV), "They have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire."
In the fourth seal of Revelation, the pale horse arrives, and its name is Death.
Revelation 6:8, “And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.”
Death (thanatos) here comes with the four judgments of God including widespread pestilences, claiming a great portion of the global population alongside war and famine.
We've seen pestilences in the outbreaks of COVID-19, Ebola, HIV/AIDS crisis and re-emerging diseases like cholera, measles, TB, and other drug-resistant infections.
These diseases cripple economies, increase fear, and expose weaknesses in both health systems and spiritual life.
Pestilences remind us that even the strongest nations with the best healthcare among us are not immune. Only God is our refuge and healer (Psalm 91:3, 6; Exodus 15:26).
Earthquakes – The Shaking of the Earth
Earthquakes are both the literal and spiritual shaking of the earth. If pestilences attack humanity, earthquakes attack the planet itself. They are physical manifestations of creation groaning under the weight of sin (Romans 8:22) and dramatic signs of God's awesome power and impending judgment.
Matthew 24:7 (NKJV), “...and earthquakes in various places.”
Luke 21:11, “There will be great earthquakes…”
Revelation 6:12, “And behold, there was a great earthquake…”
The increase in shaky activity is a physical manifestation of the world's instability. The Bible often uses the imagery of earthquakes and the shaking of creation to signify God's power and judgment. Earthquakes signify both judgment and divine intervention. The shaking of the earth reflects the shaking of nations.
Haggai 2:6-7 (NKJV), “For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts."
Hebrews 12:26-27 (NKJV), "Whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain."
The prophet Isaiah warns that in the day of the Lord, "the earth shall be utterly broken, the earth shall be split apart, the earth shall be shaken violently" (Isaiah 24:19). Jesus said earthquakes would happen in various places, not only in known unstable zones.
In recent years, we've seen stronger quakes in diverse regions, increased volcanic activity, and tsunamis triggered by undersea earthquakes. The book of Revelation also records the sixth seal judgment with a "great earthquake" that moves mountains and islands from their places to signal a dramatic shift in the tribulation period.
Revelation 6:12, “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.”
This cosmic disturbance will be unlike anything in recorded history, fulfilling Jesus’ words about "distress of nations with perplexity" and men’s hearts failing from fear.
Luke 21:25-26 (NKJV), “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken."
This is not a localized event; it will shake the entire world. Such shakings reflect spiritual realities of God shaking what needs to be shaken to remind humanity that the foundations of this world are not eternal. Only God’s kingdom cannot be shaken.
Hebrews 12:26-28 (NKJV), "Whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."
Other signs in nature include volcanic eruptions (Revelation 8:7-12), extreme weather (Luke 21:25-26), blood moons and other celestial signs (Joel 2:30-31, Acts 2:19-20).
The Purpose of the Pain: From Agony to Awakening
Why would a loving God allow or even ordain such terrifying outbreaks? The Bible presents two primary purposes:
- For a world that has consistently rejected God, worshipped creation, and taken pride in its own self-sufficiency, these disasters are a sobering reminder of God's ultimate authority over nature and life itself. They are a foretaste of the final judgment to come.
- Even in His wrath, God remembers mercy (Habakkuk 3:2). These agonies are designed to shatter our illusions of control and drive humanity to its knees. As the prophet Joel cried, “’Now, therefore,’ says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” (Joel 2:12-13).
What should we do as the Church?
For the believer, these signs are not a cause for panic, but for purposeful vigilance.
- We are not appointed to God's wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9), though we shall suffer tribulation. Our hope is in the promise of our salvation. Discern the times. Don’t panic, but be awake (1 Thessalonians 5:6).
- We are to be watchful (Matthew 24:42-44) and recognize the signs.
- We trust in God's sovereignty. Nothing - not a virus, not an empty shelf, not a cracking fault line - is outside of His control. He is our refuge and strength, “a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2).
- Build spiritual resilience. Strengthen your prayer life and faith (Matthew 26:41).
- Preach the Gospel. These signs point to the greater reality that Jesus is coming soon. Do not fear. Jesus said, “Do not be terrified” (Luke 21:9).
- Stay spiritually awake. Disasters are reminders that this world is temporary (Colossians 3:2).
- Pestilences, and earthquakes are not only warnings but also opportunities to point people to the Great Physician (Mark 2:17).
These signs are not meant to terrify believers, but to prepare us. Jesus called them birth pangs, which means something new is coming which is His Kingdom. The shakings will increase. But for the believer, they are not the end. They are signposts pointing to our blessed hope of the coming of Jesus Christ.
The agonies are not separate events but are deeply interconnected. Outbreaks of famine, pestilence, and earthquakes are often a direct result of the global instability caused by conflicts and a world that has fallen into deception.
Outbreaks of famine, disease, and natural disasters are not random global crises, they are part of God's prophetic calendar reminding us that this world is groaning for redemption (Romans 8:22), and we must not live as if things will continue as they always have.
The chaos of war leads to food shortages, and the displacement of people can create the conditions for disease to spread. These natural disasters also compound the suffering and instability, creating a vicious cycle.
Outbreaks remind us of the fragility of life on earth. Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes shake human confidence and expose the futility of trusting in earthly systems. Yet they also point us to the soon-coming Kingdom of Christ, where peace and healing will reign.
Finally, these "birth pains" serve as a stark warning to a world that has turned away from its Creator. They are a sign that God is allowing the world to reap the results of its choices, preparing the way for the ultimate restoration at Christ's coming.
In short, the Church is called to live as a faithful witness in times of trouble by discerning, praying, preparing, and proclaiming the hope of Christ until He comes (Luke 21:28).
I – INTENSE PERSECUTION
Believers hated, betrayed and killed
Matthew 24:9–10 | Mark 13:9–13 | Luke 21:12–19
Intense Persecution: Tribulation
As we progress through the seven agonies before the coming of Christ, the intensity shifts from natural disasters to a deeply painful reality of the tribulation of the saints. As the world moves closer to the end, persecution against Christians is escalating at an alarming rate.
Jesus warned that His followers would be hated, betrayed, and killed for His name’s sake.
Matthew 24:9–10 (NKJV), "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another."
Mark 13:9–13 (NKJV), "But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them... And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved."
Luke 21:12–19 (NKJV), "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake... And you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls."
These passages reveal that persecution will come from:
- Governments (arrests, trials, executions)
- Religious leaders (false accusations, imprisonment)
- Families, fellow believers & friends (betrayal, abandonment)
This is the fifth birth pang, following wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes (Matthew 24:7–8), which signals the nearing of the coming of Christ and of the rapture of the Church.
Today, Christian persecution is at historic levels. For example:
- In North Korea, Christians face executions for owning a Bible.
- In Afghanistan one is condemned to the death penalty for converting from Islam.
- In Nigeria, there are mass killings of Christians by the Islamic Boko Haram and Fulani militants.
- In China, underground churches raided, and pastors are imprisoned.
- In India there is mob violence against Christians.
- In the West there is increased legal suppression (hate speech laws, censorship), social persecution (cancel culture, workplace discrimination), and family betrayals (parents disowning Christian children).
The Church’s Journey Through the Tribulation
The teaching of Jesus in the Seven Agonies of His coming presents a unique perspective on the end times, positioning the Church’s deliverance after the Great Tribulation begins but before God’s final wrath is poured out.
Unlike Pretribulationism (which teaches the Church is raptured before the Tribulation) or Posttribulationism (which places the Rapture at the end), the bible reveals that believers will endure part of the Tribulation but will be rescued before the Day of the Lord’s wrath.
The theological theory closest to the teaching of Christ and the apostles concerning the end-times in the New Testament is called the Pre-Wrath rapture view.
The Bible shows that there is a difference between the Great Tribulation – the persecution of the church by the Antichrist (Matthew 24:21), and the Day of the Lord’s Wrath – God’s direct judgment on the wicked (Revelation 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).
The Church is spared from God’s wrath, not necessarily from persecution.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NKJV), "For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Revelation 3:10 (NKJV), "I will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world."
In His Olivet Discourse, Jesus reveals that the rapture happens at His coming, just after the Tribulation, but before God’s wrath is poured out in the Day of the Lord.
Matthew 24:29-31, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
The Church will face the Antichrist’s persecution, no one is exempt.
Matthew 24:9 (NKJV), "They will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you..."
John 15:18–20 (NKJV), "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you."
2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV), "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
Believers will suffer the Great Tribulation under the Antichrist’s reign of terror, but this is man’s wrath, not God’s wrath.
Revelation 13:1–10 (NKJV), 'Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."
It is because of presence of the Christians (the elect/chosen) on earth that God has mercifully shortened the time of the Great Tribulation.
Matthew 24:21-22 (NKJV), “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened."
According to the revelation of Christ given to the apostle John, the coming of Christ and the rapture will happen at the sixth seal, and usher in the wrath of God upon unbelievers.
Revelation 6:12-17 (NKJV), "I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”"
The Church is caught up before the seventh trumpets which introduces the bowls of God’s wrath. The Church is present on earth for seals 1-5 (Antichrist’s rise, war, famine, death, martyrdom), and the sixth seal above comes with cosmic signs, the coming of Christ and rapture.
In the seventh seal, there is silence in heaven, and then the trumpets of God’s wrath.
Revelation 8:1-5 (NKJV), "When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake."
Revelation 8-16 reveals the trumpets and bowls while the Church is in heaven, having been spared from the wrath of God.
The Great Tribulation which the church will go through is essentially the martyrdom of the saints. Before the coming of Christ and rapture, persecution will reach unprecedented levels.
This aligns with the teaching of the apostles that "we must enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations."
Acts 14:22 (NKJV), "Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
Christians will be beheaded in the Great Tribulation for their witness to Jesus and for their faith in the word of God, after having rejected to worship the antichrist or to receive his mark.
Revelation 20:4 (NKJV), "And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast nor his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands."
The wrath of God is the avenging of the blood of Christian martyrs upon the Antichrist and his followers. In the fifth seal the martyrs killed for their faith cry out to God asking how long it will take God to avenge for their blood, and they are told that there is a number of Christians who should be killed like they were before that happens.
Revelation 6:9–11 (NKJV), "When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?' Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed."
The Great Tribulation
The Great Tribulation, as described by Jesus, is a period of unprecedented suffering and deception that will come upon the world before His return. It is marked by the “abomination of desolation,” first prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11), which signals the beginning of intense persecution and distress.
Mark 13:14-23 (NKJV), “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter. For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand."
Jesus warns His followers to flee immediately without hesitation, underscoring the urgency and severe danger of the times. This tribulation will be unparalleled in history, and if not shortened by God’s mercy, no flesh would survive. During this time, false christs and false prophets will perform great signs aiming to deceive even the elect, so Christ urges vigilance and steadfastness on our part.
Matthew 24:15-28 (NKJV), “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together."
There will be many false announcements of the coming of Christ backed with deceptive miracles by false prophets. Similar warnings appear in Revelation, where the beast and false prophet perform miracles to lead many astray (Revelation 13:11–14), and great judgments fall upon the earth (Revelation 6:12–17; 16:13–16).
Paul also cautions that before Christ’s return, there will be a “falling away” and the revealing of the “man of sin” who exalts himself in God’s temple (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4). Yet, amid the darkness, God’s sovereignty remains clear: the days are shortened for the elect’s sake, and Christ’s coming will be unmistakable, sudden, visible, and glorious, like lightning across the sky (Luke 17:24).
This teaches believers to remain alert, discerning, and anchored in God’s Word, knowing that endurance will lead to our salvation (Matthew 24:13).
The Cost of Christ’s Name: The External Persecution
Jesus did not hide the cost of following Him. He plainly declared that true allegiance to His name would invite hostility from the systems of this world. The hatred would not be because of personal offense, but specifically for His name’s sake.
Matthew 24:9–10 (NKJV), “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.”
This speaks of international hatred toward Christians, widespread betrayal from within communities, and offense and division in the body of Christ. Jesus’ prophecy that His followers would be "hated by all nations" points to a unified, global opposition. This is not random, isolated incidents of prejudice but a systematic, worldwide rejection of those who bear the name of Christ.
This is a stark prophecy of widespread persecution against Christians. Jesus warns that believers will be "delivered up to tribulation," a term that signifies severe suffering and distress. This persecution is not just from a single government or group, but from "all nations." This phrase suggests a global, united effort to suppress and eliminate Christian faith. The reason for this hatred is clear: it is "for My name's sake."
The book of Revelation confirms this persecution, particularly during the Great Tribulation. The power behind this global hatred is the reign of the Antichrist. The Beast from the sea is given authority “over every tribe, tongue, and nation” (Revelation 13:7). All who dwell on the earth will worship him, “whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). This universal worship mandate creates an environment where refusal to comply is seen as treason.
The False Prophet enforces this worship through economic oppression such “that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:17). This system will instantly identify and marginalize believers, making them enemies of the state and outcasts from society.
The severity of this global persecution is revealed under the fifth seal, where John sees “the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held” (Revelation 6:9). Their cry from heaven (“How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood?") confirms the mass martyrdom that Jesus foretold. The saints are being killed for their faith.
Later, in Revelation 13, the beast is "given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies" and is allowed to "make war with the saints and to overcome them" (Revelation 13:5, 7). This picture of a global power system rising to persecute believers aligns directly with Jesus's prophecy of being "hated by all nations."
This is already happening in part. Christians are being persecuted in Islamic, Hindu, and communist nations. Laws restricting Christian worship, speech, and evangelism exists in some nations. Social persecution in the West for standing on biblical truth.
According to Open Doors International, more than 360 million Christians face high levels of persecution globally. Christians are suffering extreme persecution mainly in countries under the influence Islamic terrorism groups like of ISIS and Boko Haram. External persecution is the father of internal betrayal.
The Internal Persecution: Betrayal from Within
The Greek word for “betray” is “paradidōmi,” meaning to hand over or deliver up. It implies a deliberate act of turning someone over to authorities, often from someone close.
The betrayal will not just be societal, it’s going to be close and personal. We are going to witness massive betrayals among Christians when persecution comes. There will be sellouts among the brethren in families and churches.
More heartbreaking than external pressure is the warning of internal betrayal. Jesus says that "many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another" (Matthew 24:10).
This is a breakdown of trust and unity within the church. The word "offended" here, from the Greek "skandalizo," means to be caused to stumble or fall away from faith. It will be a seasonal of huge scandals of betrayal! Jesus specifically highlights betrayal within the family unit - the very institution designed to be a safe haven.
Mark 13:12–13 (NKJV), “Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.”
Luke 21:16–17 (NKJV), “You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.”
As the pressure mounts, those who only had a superficial faith will abandon it and betray others to save themselves. The Apostle Paul also warned of this, noting that "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12) and that in the last days, "men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money...without self-control" (2 Timothy 3:2-3), traits that lead to betrayal.
The world's hostility is not a random act; it is a direct result of their rejection of Jesus Christ. This betrayal is the ultimate fruit of the "lawlessness" that Jesus said would cause the love of many to grow cold (Matthew 24:12).
When God's law is rejected, the foundational respect for human life and loyalty disintegrates. This pattern will repeat itself within the church in these last days as prophesied by Micah.
Micah 7:5-6, “Do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom. For son dishonors father, daughter rises against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own household.”
In the end times, this division will become acute and dangerous. This betrayal will be motivated by a deadly mix of self-preservation and zealous idolatry.
As worship of the Beast becomes mandatory, family members may turn each other in to authorities to save their own lives, prove their loyalty to the new world order, or out of genuine deceived hatred for the Christian "heresy."
God's Purpose in the Persecution
Why would God allow His beloved church to endure such unimaginable pain and betrayal?
This agony serves as the final sifting of the true church from the professing church. It separates those who have nominal faith from those who possess a costly, overcoming faith. As the apostle John wrote, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us” (1 John 2:19). The pressure of persecution reveals the genuine article.
The steadfastness of the saints under trial becomes their greatest testimony. Their refusal to deny Christ, even unto death, glorifies God and stands as an eternal witness against the kingdom of darkness.
They overcome Satan “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death” (Revelation 12:11).
Jesus directly connects endurance through this persecution with eternal salvation and promises a profound reward of the crown of life.
Matthew 24:13, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
Revelation 2:10, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
How to Respond to Betrayal and Tribulation
Stand firm in faith. Don’t let the betrayal of others cause you to betray Christ. Despite the intensity of this agony, Jesus provides a message of hope and a call to endurance. He tells His followers, "by your patience possess your souls" (Luke 21:19).
This is a call to steadfastness in the face of suffering. The persecution, hatred, and betrayal are not a sign of God's absence but a fulfillment of His prophetic word. The faithful are called to endure to the end, because "he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13).
The saints in Revelation are also described as those who endure: "Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12).
Stay rooted in the Word so that offense doesn’t cause you to fall (Matthew 24:10). This endurance is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life and is the primary defense against this fourth agony.
Prepare spiritually and emotionally. Persecution is part of discipleship. God’s protection is promised, even unto death. Trust the Holy Spirit’s help.
Luke 21:14-15, “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Forgive and love, even in betrayal like Jesus did (Luke 23:34). Even when betrayed by everyone, the believer is held by One who will never betray them. Our security is not in the faithfulness of man, but in the covenant faithfulness of God.
Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Support the persecuted Church through prayer, aid, and advocacy.
Hebrews 13:3 (NKJV), "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them - those who are mistreated - since you yourselves are in the body also."The hatred of nations and betrayal within families may be painful, but they are part of the birth pangs or labor pains before glory. Jesus went through it first, and now He calls His Church to walk the same path with courage, endurance, and hope.
John 15:18–21 (NKJV), “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you... they will also persecute you...”
Pray for boldness to share the Gospel in the midst of persecution (Acts 4:29–31). Don't pray against persecution. Our hope is not in avoiding persecution, but in the One who has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Prepare to go through intense persecution even to the point death without losing your faith and zeal to witness the Gospel to others.
Revelation 12:11 (NKJV), "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."
Expect persecution, but not God’s wrath. The Church will endure the Antichrist’s persecution (Great Tribulation) but will be rescued before God’s wrath (trumpets and bowls).
Scripture separates between man’s tribulation and God’s wrath, and this helps Christians not to caught unprepared by the Great Tribulation.
1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV), "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."
Live ready for the coming of Christ by abiding in Him (Luke 21:28).
1 John 2:28 (NKJV), "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming."
The rising persecution of Christians worldwide is a fulfillment of prophecy, marking the fifth birth pang before Christ’s coming.
This fifth agony reveals that the intense persecution will be, at its heart, a spiritual war for the souls of humanity. It will force every single person to choose a side.
As hatred against believers grows, we must stand firm, pray, and preach the Gospel, knowing that the end is near.
E – EVIL MULTIPLIES
Lawlessness abounding and the love of many growing cold.
Matthew 24:12 | 2 Timothy 3:1-5 | 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10
The Escalation of Evil in the Last Days
As the world moves closer to the end times, Scripture warns of a dramatic increase in wickedness, deception, and spiritual decay.
Jesus Himself foretold that one of the signs of His imminent return would be the exponential rise of lawlessness, causing the love of many to grow cold. This is the sixth birth pang.
Matthew 24:12 (NKJV), “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”
This prophecy exposes the spiritual and moral climate of the last days - a time when sin, lawlessness, and betrayal will multiply at an unprecedented scale. It is not merely a increase in the number of sinful acts, but a widespread and brazen rejection of God’s law as the standard for life.
It is the spirit of autonomous rebellion that says, “I am a law unto myself.” This is not just moral failure, it is a global, cultural desensitization to sin, accompanied by a decline in love for God and for others.
The sixth birth pang is the escalation of evil and lawlessness, setting the stage for the Antichrist’s rise.
The apostle Paul also warned that in the last days, perilous times would come, marked by widespread moral corruption (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV), "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
Legalized abortion, gender confusion, and hatred of biblical truth dominate modern culture.
Paul confirms that this escalation of evil in the last days will climax in the revelation of the "man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist) before Christ’s return.
2 Thessalonians 2:3, 7-10 (NKJV), "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed... For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work... The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders."
The Antichrist and his false prophet will enforce worldwide idolatry and economic control. They will persecute believers and deceive many into worshiping the Beast.
Revelation 13:16-17 (NKJV), "He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."
The Book of Revelation depicts a world filled with increasing sin before God’s judgment.
- The four horsemen (conquest, war, famine, death) symbolize increasing chaos.
- The fifth seal shows martyrs crying out for justice (Revelation 6:9-11).
- The sixth seal brings cosmic disturbances, signaling God's wrath (Revelation 6:12-17).
- In the seven trumpets (Revelation 8-11), God’s judgments intensify, yet people refuse to repent (Revelation 9:20-21).
- In the seven bowls (Revelation 16), the final judgments show God’s wrath on a rebellious world. Despite these severe plagues, people still "blasphemed the name of God" (Revelation 16:9, 11).
This section explores the sixth birth pang (agony) of the end times - evil multiplying - as part of the prophetic sequence leading to the coming of Christ and rapture of the Church.
The sixth agony strikes at the very heart of society's moral fabric, predicting a time when the restraining grace of God is lifted, and humanity's rebellion against its Creator reaches a peak.
What Is “Iniquity” or “Lawlessness?”
The Greek word used for “iniquity” or “lawlessness” is anomia, meaning "without law," or "rebellion against divine law." In Scripture, lawlessness is not just breaking rules, it’s rejecting the authority of God Himself.
1 John 3:4, “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.”
In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, the Antichrist is called “the man of lawlessness.” So, when Jesus says “lawlessness will abound,” He’s speaking of a time when God’s standards will be rejected openly and sin will be celebrated widely.
This explosion of lawlessness is not a random occurrence; it is the full bloom of the seed of sin that has always been present but is now unrestrained.
The Prophet Daniel foresaw this very reality, describing the Antichrist figure as a king who will “magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall magnify himself above all.” (Daniel 11:36-37).
This is the ultimate expression of anomia: a man who recognizes no higher authority than himself.
The apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, provides the most chilling and detailed prophecy of this exact phenomenon.
He describes the “mystery of iniquity” already at work in his time (2 Thessalonians 2:7), pointing to a hidden, systemic rebellion against God that will culminate in the man of sin, the Antichrist.
He calls it the “falling away” or the “apostasy” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and directly links it to the revelation of the “lawless one” (the Antichrist), whom the Lord will consume “with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
Paul reveals that a power is currently restraining this lawlessness, and when that restraint is removed, the man of iniquity will be unleashed in full force (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7).
The book of Revelation also paints a picture of a world completely given over to iniquity and rebellion. The judgments poured out on the earth do not lead to repentance, but rather to an even deeper sin.
The people "did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols...And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts" (Revelation 9:20-21).
This is the culmination of iniquity - a society that chooses to cling to its wickedness even in the face of divine judgment.
The ultimate act of lawlessness is the global demand for worship directed at the Beast and his image. This is the final inversion of God’s created order, where the creature is worshipped instead of the Creator (Romans 1:25).
The False Prophet “deceives those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 13:14) into committing this ultimate blasphemy, a clear fulfillment of Jesus’ warning about the great deception (Matthew 24:4-5).
In Revelation 17-18, “Babylon the Great” is not just a city; she is the personification of the world system in full rebellion against God. She is a harlot who makes “the inhabitants of the earth drunk with the wine of her fornication” (Revelation 17:2).
This is the seductive and intoxicating nature of sinful indulgence, materialism, and false religion - which all marks of a lawless society. Her sins “have reached to heaven” (Revelation 18:5), showing that the iniquity has indeed “abounded” to its maximum measure.
So, when Jesus said iniquity would abound, He was not referring only to occasional sins, but to a worldwide explosion of rebellion against divine order.
The Coldness of Love
Jesus continued to say, “…the love of many will grow cold.” This word “love” here is agape, not mere emotion, but sacrificial, divine love. In other words, even Christians and churches will lose passion for God, holiness, and others. In Revelation 2:4, Jesus rebukes the church in Ephesus saying, “You have left your first love.”
In an environment of rampant selfishness, betrayal, and violence, this godly love becomes increasingly rare. People become hardened, self-preserving, and isolated.
This chilling effect is precisely what we see in the previous agony, where family members betray one another to death (Mark 13:12). The abounding of iniquity is the cause; love growing cold is the effect.
2 Timothy 3:1-4 (NKJV), "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."
We are witnessing a moral inversion in society today of evil being called good and good, evil (Isaiah 5:20). This spiritual cooling is a clear birth pang of the end.
Signs of Abounding Iniquity in the Last Days
- Division, betrayal, and offense within families and within the Church. Mark 13:12–13, “Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.” This reflects a collapse of natural affection (2 Timothy 3:3). Family, the foundation of society, will be infiltrated by lawlessness, creating an environment of mistrust and betrayal.
- Hatred and persecution of the righteous. Luke 21:16–17, “Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.” True believers will face increased hostility not because of wrongdoing, but because of their identification with Christ.
- Love growing cold. Jesus directly links abounding iniquity with the decline of love (Matthew 24:12). As sin multiplies, compassion shrivels. This spiritual coldness is one of the most dangerous symptoms of lawlessness in the last days.
- Open celebration of sin in media and law
- Increasing violence, deception, and disregard for authority
- The redefining of love to mean self-worship
- A growing apathy toward holiness, prayer, and truth
The Abomination of Desolation as The Peak of Evil and Lawlessness
The Abomination of Desolation is one of the most chilling prophecies in Scripture, marking the pinnacle of evil and lawlessness before Christ’s return.
First prophesied by Daniel, confirmed by Jesus, and expanded upon in Paul’s epistles and Revelation, this event signifies the ultimate rebellion against God - when the Antichrist defiles the holy place and demands worship as God.
Daniel 11:31 foretold a desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (167 BC), who sacrificed a pig on the altar (an unclean animal), erected a statue of Zeus (a foreign god/idol) in the temple, and forbade Jewish worship (1 Maccabees 1:54-59).
Daniel 11:31 (NKJV), "And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation."
This was a type of the future Abomination. Daniel further predicted a greater desecration:
Daniel 9:27 (NKJV), "Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate..."
Daniel 11:31 (NKJV), "And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation."
Daniel 12:11 (NKJV), "And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be 1,290 days."
This points to the Antichrist breaking his covenant with Israel in the middle of the tribulation of the church, stopping temple worship, and setting up an idol or image of himself in the temple.
Jesus directly referenced Daniel’s prophecy, confirming its future fulfillment:
Matthew 24:15-16 (NKJV), "Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains."
This event will trigger the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), and it is the midpoint of the 70th week of Daniel (Daniel 9:27).
The Abomination marks the Antichrist’s revelation through his open claim to deity as God, yet he is the "man of lawlessness."
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (NKJV), "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."
The Antichrist will declare himself God in the temple. This is the ultimate act of blasphemy, fulfilling Lucifer’s original rebellion (Isaiah 14:12-14).
The book of Revelation expands on this event. The False Prophet sets up an image of the Beast (Antichrist).
This image will speak and enforce worship (possibly an AI controlled robbot or hologram, or demonic manifestation, or a combination of all these things).
Revelation 13:14-15, "And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed."
The Abomination leads to economic control and forced worship through the mark of the Beast.
Revelation 13:16-18, "And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."
Refusal to take the mark will result in martyrdom by being beheaded.
Revelation 20:4, "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
The Abomination of Desolation is the peak of evil because:
- It defies God’s Holiness. The temple is God’s dwelling place (Ezekiel 43:7). Desecrating it is the ultimate insult.
- It fulfills Lucifer’s ambition. The Antichrist mimics his pride (Isaiah 14:13-14).
- It deceives the whole world. Many will worship the Beast (Revelation 13:8).
- It triggers the Great Tribulation (Revelation 6-19).
Our Response to Iniquity as Believers
In the face of this pervasive darkness, how are the followers of Christ to respond? What can we do?
- Guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).
- Watch for the signs (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6), and for Christ’s coming (Titus 2:13). Be watchful and prayerful because "iniquity shall abound” is not an excuse to cool down, but a warning to fire up. Stay spiritually awake (Matthew 24:42-44).
- Overcome by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11). Even though lawlessness increases, God’s Word assures us of ultimate victory. Romans 5:20, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” While iniquity may dominate the present age, it has no place in the eternal kingdom of Christ.
- Stay in the Word. Scripture helps us discern between truth and deception (2 Timothy 3:16–17). We are to be people of the Word in a world that rejects absolute truth. The Psalmist said, “Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104). We must be known for our commitment to God’s law as our standard, not the shifting sands of cultural morality.
- Hold fast to Christ (Revelation 3:10). Hold fast to the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
- Preach the Gospel (Matthew 24:14). Preach repentance and truth. The cure to lawlessness is the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2).
- Maintain love (Hebrews 13:1). Believers must resist the effect of sin by nurturing love through prayer, fellowship, and obedience (Jude 1:20–21). Our love for one another and even for our enemies (Matthew 5:44) will stand in stark contrast to the surrounding darkness and will be a powerful testimony to the reality of Christ. Love unconditionally and without limits (Matthew 24:12-13)
- The abounding of iniquity is not a sign of God’s defeat but a sign that His plan is moving precisely according to schedule. Jesus gave us this sign so that “when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28). Our hope is not in the world improving, but in the sure and certain return of our King, who will finally and forever deal with sin.
- Live in holiness (1 John 2:28).
- Despite the betrayal and the surrounding lawlessness, the faithful are called to persevere to the end (Matthew 24:13). Endurance is not a passive waiting but an active defiance of iniquity. It is a testament to the power of God's grace to sustain a believer's love and faith when the world around them has gone cold.
- Concerning the Abomination of Desolation, Jesus commands us to flee when we see it (Matthew 24:16), endure to the end (Matthew 24:13), and to refuse to take the mark or worship the Beast (Revelation 14:9-12).
The sixth birth pang of evil multiplying is unfolding before our eyes. Persecution is increasing, betrayal is rampant, and society is descending into lawlessness.
The is a sobering reminder that the final battle is, and always has been, a spiritual one. It is the spirit of lawlessness versus the Spirit of Christ.
But we have this promise: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). And the one who endures, who refuses to let their love grow cold, will hear the final welcome: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
The Abomination of Desolation is the supreme act of rebellion before Christ’s return. It marks the Antichrist’s open war against God, the deception of the nations, and the beginning of the worst tribulation in history.
The battle is not just against external forces but also against the internal decay that lawlessness brings.
As we see iniquity abound, we are called to shine brighter and stand firm, knowing that these signs are part of God's prophetic timeline, leading to the ultimate redemption at Christ's return.
The abounding of iniquity is a mark of the end times. It is subtle, seductive, and socially acceptable, but it is dangerous. This confronts every believer with a question: "Will your love grow cold, or will it burn brighter as the darkness increases?"
Let us be among those who “shine like stars in a crooked and perverse generation” (Philippians 2:15), holding fast the word of life.
2 Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless, the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’”
S – SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL
Understanding the Seventh of the Seven AGONIES of the Coming of Christ
Matthew 24:14 | Mark 13:10 | Luke 21:13–15
The Seventh and Final Birth Pang Before Christ’s Return
In our journey through the seven agonies, we have encountered a terrifying view: the darkness of deception, the thunder of war, the scourge of famine and pestilence, the bitter sting of betrayal, the chilling abounding of lawlessness, and the solemn call to endurance.
These are the birth pains, the contractions heralding a new age. Yet, amidst this chaos and suffering, Jesus proclaims one final, glorious sign that is not of human suffering, but of divine triumph - the Spread of the Gospel.
As the world moves toward the end of the age, Jesus outlined seven key "birth pangs" (signs) signaling His imminent return (Matthew 24:4-14).
As Jesus described the sequence of end-time events, He concluded with a prophetic promise and condition: "The end will not come until the Gospel is proclaimed globally."
Matthew 24:14 (NKJV), "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."
The Gospel must reach every people group (ethnos), the Church’s mission must be completed before the end, the coming of Christ and rapture will follow soon after this fulfillment.
While the world systems rage and the enemy works to deceive and destroy, God is orchestrating the greatest missionary endeavor in human history. The climax of history is not triggered by the enemy’s success, but by the fulfillment of the Father’s mission.
Despite wars, betrayal, deception, and persecution, the final agony before His coming is not a tragedy, it’s a victory. The seventh and final birth pang is the the global spread of the Gospel, a divine mandate that must be fulfilled before the end comes.
This seventh AGONY is about the unstoppable mission of preaching the Gospel to every nation, tribe, and tongue before the King returns. The Greek word used for “world” in Matthew 24:14 is “oikoumene,” referring to the inhabited earth.
The requirement is total and complete. This is not a mere technicality but a biblical necessity, fulfilling God’s eternal promise to Abraham that through his offspring “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).
Psalm 67:2 foreshadowed this saying, “That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.”
The spread of the gospel is not accidental but central to God’s redemptive plan.
The Greek 'marturion' for 'witness' also used here is the same word translated as martyr - a Christian who dies for their faith in, and testimony of Jesus Christ. This shows that the gospel will be preached to the world throughout the period of the seven agonies.
Mark 13:10, “And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.”
This global witness echoes the Psalmist’s declaration: “Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world” (Psalm 19:4).
It is the ultimate answer to the prophecy of Habakkuk: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).
This final push is the outworking of the command Jesus gave His disciples before His ascension: “And you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
The agonies of the end times will be the catalyst that finally scatters the Church to every last people group and language.
Even in persecution, God uses His people as living witnesses to spread the message of the kingdom. Suffering becomes a platform for proclamation.
Luke 21:13, “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.”
Acts 8:1–4 shows that persecution scattered the early church, and “they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”
In Philippians 1:12–13, Paul said, “the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.”
The gospel is not simply to be known; it is to be proclaimed as a testimony to every ethnic group and nation. This includes those who have never heard the name of Jesus.
The final stages of human history will be marked by an unprecedented missionary movement, a final harvest of souls.
The apostle Paul spoke of this, writing in Romans 1:5, "we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name."
The widespread proclamation of the gospel ensures that when the end comes, no one will be able to claim they were not warned or given a chance to believe.
Jesus began His earthly ministry preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). That same Gospel of the Kingdom with its message of repentance, salvation, and Lordship of Christ will mark the final generation.
Not all gospels are the Gospel. Paul warned of “another gospel.”
Galatians 1:6–9 (NKJV), "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed."
In the end times, deception will not only come through false christs, but false gospels. The prosperity-only gospel, the hyper-grace gospel, the legalistic gospel and the humanistic gospel dilute or replace the true message of the Kingdom.
The real Gospel calls people to repentance (Mark 1:15), declares Jesus as Lord and King (Romans 10:9), offers forgiveness and eternal life (John 3:16), and demands discipleship and obedience (Matthew 28:19–20).
The preaching of the gospel in the end times serves a dual purpose: salvation and judgment. Even in the midst of wrath, God’s mercy is extended.
This final witness will reap a mighty harvest of souls from every corner of the earth.
John sees this multitude in his vision: “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,” (Revelation 7:9).
These are they who “have come out of the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14), washed in the blood of the Lamb because they believed the witness they heard.
Since the Greek word for “witness” is the one from which we get the word “martyr,” this gospel preaching is a legal testimony. It leaves every person without excuse.
Those who reject this final, clear, and powerful proclamation of the gospel under the fullest possible light are thus justly condemned.
As Jesus said, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin” (John 15:22).
The Biblical Mandate for Global Evangelism
Before ascending, Jesus commanded His disciples the Great Commission to take His message to all nations and make disciples.
Matthew 28:18-20, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you."
This mission is not optional, it is a prerequisite for the end. The Gospel must reach all nations.
Mark 13:10 (NKJV), "And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations."
This confirms that the coming of Christ and the rapture can not occur until the Gospel has gone global.
Jesus teaches that the preaching of the Gospel precedes the end, not follows it. This reverses many assumptions such as:
- The Church is not escaping before evangelizing.
- The mission is not paused by darkness, it shines brighter in it.
- The Gospel is not optional, it is central to the fulfillment of prophecy.
Even heaven is committed to the global spread of the Good News!
Revelation 14:6, “Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth - to every nation, tribe, language and people.”
This heavenly broadcast ensures that no one is left without a final, clear witness before the final judgments fall.
How will this be possible in a world of unprecedented persecution and chaos? Jesus provided the answer in Luke’s account:
Luke 21:13-15 (NKJV), “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.”
This is not a mission accomplished by human strategy alone. It will be fueled by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, providing divine wisdom and unshakable courage to believers facing tribunals, hostility, and death.
Jesus promised His followers supernatural empowerment to witness.
Acts 1:8 (NKJV), "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Acts 4:31 records that when the disciples prayed, “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”
Jesus warned that persecution would accompany evangelism. The Gospel would spread amid persecution.
Luke 21:12-15 (NKJV), "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons... But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony."
In tribulation, the Gospel advances through suffering. During the Tribulation, an angel preaches globally (Revelation 14:6-7). This shows that even in judgment, God offers salvation.
In Revelation, God seals 144,000 Jewish believers who preach during the tribulation.
Revelation 7:1-8 (NKJV), "And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed."
These servants lead a massive end-time harvest.
Revelation 7:9-14 (ESV), "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
The ultimate example of supernatural enablement for witnessing is the ministry of the two witnesses. In Revelation 11:3-12, God raises up two mighty prophets and empowers them by His Spirit to preach the gospel fearlessly.
Revelation 11:3 (NKJV), "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."
They prophesy for 1,260 days, “and they have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.” (Revelation 11:6).
Their proclamation is accompanied by undeniable divine power, a witness that cannot be ignored. Their ministry triggers a global revival before the Antichrist kills them.
The coming of Christ and rapture will occur once the Gospel has reached all nations. The Church Age ends when the mission is complete. The "fullness of the Gentiles" (Romans 11:25) must come in.
Jesus compared the end times to a harvest (Matthew 13:39; Revelation 14:14-16).
Joel 3:13 (NKJV), "Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe!"
God is gathering His elect before pouring out wrath.
How Should Believers Respond to the Great Commission?
The task of world evangelization belongs to the Church and not to angels, though they assist.
Romans 10:14–15, “How shall they hear without a preacher? … How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace!”
Even under pressure, the Church must preach boldly (Acts 4:29), support missions and evangelists (3 John 1:5–8), use every platform (all media, street, pulpits, homes) and train others to share the Gospel (2 Timothy 2:2).
Time is short (John 9:4). Jesus has not returned yet - not because He is slow, but because He is giving the Church time to finish the mission.
2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… but is patient… not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
Souls hang in the balance (James 5:20).
Pray for laborers (Matthew 9:37-38).
Give sacrificially (Philippians 4:15-17).
Watch for Christ’s return (Titus 2:13).
Stay faithful amid persecution (Revelation 2:10).
The last AGONY is not to be feared - it is to be embraced. It is our assignment. While darkness increases, the light of the Gospel will pierce every nation. The Church is not called to merely endure, but to evangelize with power and urgency.
Once the Gospel has been preached as a witness to all nations, the final seal is broken, and the King returns. The Gospel is not just good news for the sinner, it’s a prophetic clock ticking toward the Second Coming.
The end is not triggered by the Antichrist taking power or by a nuclear war. It is triggered by the Father’s divine decree that the last elect person from the last unreached people group has come to faith in His Son.
The spread of the gospel is the final agony because it is the final push, the last great effort that brings the long, painful period of human history under the curse to its God-ordained conclusion.
It is the moment the groaning of creation and the groaning of the saints finally give way to the glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior (Romans 8:22-23, Titus 2:13).
The seventh and final birth pang - the global spread of the Gospel - is the Church’s great mission. Once this is fulfilled, the coming of Christ and the rapture will happen at any moment.
Matthew 24:30-31 (NKJV), “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
Mark 13:26-27 (NKJV), “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. “And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven."
Luke 21:27-28 (NKJV), "And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
This "gathering of the elect" is the Rapture, and it is positioned after the great tribulation (the agonies) but before the final day of wrath.
The spread of the gospel is the final agony because it is the last piece of the puzzle. Once God's gracious offer has been made to every corner of the earth and every tribe, the world's rebellion is fully exposed, and God's patience is fulfilled. At that moment, the end will finally come.
This prophecy is not just a future event to observe; it is a present charge to embrace. It shows that even in a world plagued by the other six agonies, the light of the gospel will shine brightest, a final testament to God's love and a clear signal that the time for Christ's return is at hand.
The gospel of the kingdom is both salvation for those who believe (Romans 1:16) and judgment for those who reject (2 Thessalonians 1:8–9).
Revelation 11:15 declares the end goal, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
The birth pains are already upon us. They are not a reason to hide, but a divine signal to mobilize.
Our blessed hope is the coming of Christ (Titus 2:13). This hope is not a passive waiting but an active hastening of the day of God (2 Peter 3:12). We quicken His return by obeying the Great Commission.
The task remains. There are still nations, people groups, and languages that have no access to the gospel. The completion of this task is the requirement for the end to come.
We do not labor in our own strength. We have the promise of the same Holy Spirit who will empower the tribulation saints (Acts 1:8).
The seven agonies end not in despair, but in a victorious, global proclamation. The final word on human history is not the wrath of the enemy, but the glorious, powerful, and saving gospel of Jesus Christ.
The purpose of prophecy is purification and mission. As we see the birth pains intensify, let them drive us to deeper faith, fervent prayer, and bold proclamation of the gospel, until the very moment we hear the sound of the trumpet.
James 5:7-8, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord... You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
Let us be found faithful in spreading it until the very end. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20).
