End Times Signs in the Bible: Be Watching, Be Ready, Be Doing!

The world seems increasingly unstable. Wars and unrest, moral confusion, natural disasters, and global uncertainty dominate the headlines. For many, these events create fear and anxiety. But for those who know Scripture, they echo something Jesus Himself foretold.

Jesus told His followers that the End Times would be marked by recognizable signs. He rebuked the religious leaders of His day for knowing how to interpret the weather but failing to discern “the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:1–3). God never intended His people to drift through history unaware—but to live alert, discerning, and prepared for what is unfolding before their eyes.

In Matthew 24, Jesus gave three clear instructions for believers living in the last days: be watching (v. 42), be ready (v. 44), and be doing (v. 46).

Be Watching: Recognizing the Signs of the End Times

Jesus explained that the End Times would be accompanied by increasing turmoil in the natural world—what He described as “birth pangs” (Matthew 24:8). These signs would not signal an immediate end, but an intensifying process pointing toward His return.

Signs in the Natural World

Scripture tells us to expect:

• Earthquakes and famines (Matthew 24:7)
• Pestilences and fearful events (Luke 21:11)
• Roaring seas and distress among nations (Luke 21:25)

The apostle Paul echoed this reality, writing that “the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Romans 8:22). While natural disasters have always existed, Jesus taught that these signs would grow stronger and more frequent, like labor pains announcing that His return is drawing near.

Signs Among the Nations

In addition to natural signs, the Bible points to geopolitical developments—particularly involving Israel—as significant indicators of the times. While some may differ on prophetic timelines, Scripture consistently points to Israel’s role in God’s unfolding purposes.

The rebirth of Israel (1948)
Many biblical scholars see the rebirth of Israel in 1948 as a remarkable step toward God’s prophetic promise to regather His people to their land (Ezekiel 37:21). Against all human odds, a nation, long scattered, was reborn.

Jerusalem and world attention
Jesus spoke of Jerusalem in connection with the “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24), and Scripture foretells a day when the city would become a focal point of global conflict (Luke 21:20; Zechariah 12:2–3).

Nations aligning against Israel
Long before modern geopolitics, Ezekiel described specific nations coming against Israel in the last days (Ezekiel 38–39).

God does not reveal these things to stir fear—but to awaken His people from spiritual complacency and sharpen their discernment for the days ahead.

Be Ready: Preparing Spiritually for the Days Ahead

While we cannot stop prophetic events from unfolding, Jesus made it clear that we can prepare spiritually. He taught that obedience to His Word is like building a house on solid rock—able to withstand the storms that are shaking the world (Matthew 7:24–27).

God, in His mercy, calls His people to examine their hearts:

• to turn from compromise,
• to repent of hidden sin,
• and to bear fruit that reflects genuine faith (John 15:2).

Too often, the Church has been shaken by the world, rather than standing as an unmovable witness to God’s truth. Instead of shining as a light, we have sometimes blended into a culture increasingly hostile toward God.

Yet Scripture offers hope. God’s promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 still stands: if His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their ways, He will forgive and bring healing.

This is not a message of condemnation—but of loving correction and restoration.

Be Doing: Faithfully About the Father’s Business

As we wait for Christ’s return, Jesus expects His followers to be found faithfully doing His work. He said, “Blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing so when he comes” (Matthew 24:46).

Jesus Himself declared His mission clearly:

“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

The Great Commission is not optional—and Jesus directly connected its fulfillment to the timing of the end:

“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).

When believers partner together to spread the Gospel, we are actively fulfilling God’s prophetic plan for the last days. Jesus reminded us, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Inspiration Ministries’ faithful partners are helping take the message of Jesus Christ to nations around the world—sowing seeds that lead to eternal harvest.

The Good News: Living With Hope, Not Fear

Understanding the End Times should never lead to anxiety or despair. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Because of Christ:

• our trials are temporary,
• our suffering is not meaningless,
• and our future is secure.

James reminds us that this life is “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). And Paul assures us that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

This world is not our home—and eternity is closer than we realize.

How Should We Live?

As we watch God’s prophetic purposes unfold:

BE WATCHING
Stay spiritually alert. Pay attention to the signs Jesus described—especially those involving Israel, God’s prophetic timepiece.

BE READY
Ground your life in God’s Word. Obey Christ, walk in repentance, and build your faith on an unshakable foundation.

BE DOING
Faithfully advance the Gospel. Pray, give, and go as God leads—partnering to bring the message of salvation to a lost world.

Together, let us be found faithfully about the Father’s business—until the day we see Him face to face.

Are You Ready?

Jesus never revealed the truths of the End Times to produce fear—but to call His people to spiritual readiness.

Throughout Scripture, He urges us to stay awake, remain faithful, and be prepared for His return. Being ready does not mean having a perfect understanding or living without struggle. It means walking daily with Christ, grounding our lives in God’s Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts and priorities.

As the signs Jesus spoke of continue to unfold, now is the time to strengthen your spiritual foundation.

If you desire to grow deeper in your faith, gain biblical clarity, and live with confidence in uncertain times, we invite you to explore our Spiritual Growth Hub. 

Inside, you’ll find trusted biblical teaching  and resources designed to help you:

• Grow in spiritual discernment
• Build a firm foundation on God’s Word
• Walk in faith, obedience, and hope as you await Christ’s return

Be watching. Be ready. Be faithfully doing what the Father has called you to do.

Now is the time to grow strong in the Lord—and to live awake, faithful, and boldly for Him in the days ahead.