Biblical markers to watch for
Drawn from teaching by Brandon Biggs of Last Days.
Jesus told us to watch. Not to panic, not to set dates, but to pay attention and stay ready. Here are some markers Scripture points to that I think are worth watching, and what we can do about each one. All quotes are from the King James Version.
1. Life as usual, like the days of Noah
In Noah's day, people went on with ordinary life right up until the flood came. Jesus said His return would feel the same way. So we should watch for a world that is busy, distracted and unconcerned. The answer is to get our own hearts right and to pray for the people we love who aren't ready yet.
“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:37)
2. Great deception and distraction
The first thing Jesus said when asked about the end was a warning about being fooled. We should expect sensational stories, strange signs and loud claims designed to pull attention away from God. We can test everything against the Word and refuse to be carried away by whatever is trending.
“Take heed that no man deceive you.” (Matthew 24:4)
“…and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:24)
3. A falling away and lukewarm faith
Scripture warns that many will drift, choosing teaching that tells them what they want to hear. Faith can cool without anyone noticing. So it's worth checking our own spiritual temperature honestly. Are we hot, cold or somewhere comfortable in between?
“…a falling away first…” (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
“…they shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth…” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
“…because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)
4. Perilous times and cold love
Paul described the last days as a time when people are lovers of themselves, of money and of pleasure, more than lovers of God, keeping the look of religion but not the power. Jesus said love would grow cold as wickedness increases. The answer is to love people on purpose, especially when it's hard.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12)
5. The spirit of antichrist and rising lawlessness
John said the spirit of antichrist was already at work in his day. Paul wrote that lawlessness is already working, and that something is holding it back for now. As darkness gets heavier, we shouldn't be surprised, and we shouldn't be afraid either. We can stay anchored in who Jesus is.
“…even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18)
“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.” (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
6. Control over speech, buying and selling
Revelation describes a system that controls who can take part in daily life. I'm not setting dates or pointing at any one company. But I think it's wise to notice when technology, whether AI, platforms or digital payments, makes it easier to watch what people say and to decide who gets to participate. We can use these tools without being owned by them, and keep our allegiance clear.
“And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Revelation 13:17)
7. Wars and rumors of wars
The news will keep bringing conflict and tension between nations. Jesus told us this would happen and told us not to be shaken by it. We pray for peace, and we keep our peace.
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled… but the end is not yet.” (Matthew 24:6)
8. Darkness deeper, light brighter
Scripture says darkness will cover the earth, but God's glory will rise on His people at the same time. The darker things get, the more our lives should shine.
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come… For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth… but the LORD shall arise upon thee.” (Isaiah 60:1-2)
What we can do
- Watch and pray. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always…” (Luke 21:36). “Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
- Keep working, don't retreat. “Occupy till I come.” (Luke 19:13)
- Stay ready, and don't set dates. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man…” (Matthew 24:36). “Therefore be ye also ready…” (Matthew 24:44)
- Stay in the Word and love people. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39)
- Look up. “Then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28)
Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, didn't give us these signs to scare us. He gave them so we'd be awake, ready and full of hope. Now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Drawn from teaching by Brandon Biggs of Last Days.