Topical Encyclopedia The "Time of the End" is a term often associated with eschatological events described in the Bible, particularly in the prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation. This period is characterized by significant events that lead to the culmination of God's divine plan for humanity and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom.Biblical References: 1. Daniel's Prophecies: The phrase "time of the end" is prominently featured in the Book of Daniel. Daniel 8:17 states, "Understand, son of man, that the vision concerns the time of the end." This passage refers to a vision given to Daniel concerning future events, including the rise and fall of empires and the eventual triumph of God's kingdom. In Daniel 12:4, the prophet is instructed, "But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase." This suggests a period of increased knowledge and activity as the end approaches. Daniel 12:9-10 further elaborates, "Go on your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand." This indicates a time of purification and understanding for the righteous, contrasted with continued wickedness for others. 2. Revelation: The Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John, provides a vivid depiction of the events leading up to the end times. Revelation 1:3 states, "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near." This emphasizes the urgency and imminence of the events described. Revelation 11:15 declares, "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.'" This passage highlights the ultimate victory and reign of Christ at the culmination of the end times. Characteristics of the Time of the End: · Increased Knowledge and Movement: As indicated in Daniel 12:4, the time of the end will be marked by a significant increase in knowledge and global movement. This could be interpreted as advancements in technology and communication, facilitating the spread of information and the Gospel. · Purification and Refinement: Daniel 12:10 suggests a process of purification for the righteous, who will gain understanding and insight into God's plan. This period will serve as a time of testing and refinement for believers. · Continued Wickedness: Despite the unfolding of divine events, the wicked will persist in their ways, as noted in Daniel 12:10. This highlights the contrast between those who follow God and those who reject Him. · Imminence and Urgency: The repeated emphasis on the nearness of the end times, as seen in Revelation 1:3, underscores the urgency for believers to remain vigilant and faithful. Theological Implications: The "Time of the End" carries significant theological implications for believers. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. The prophetic visions and descriptions of this period encourage Christians to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual readiness and faithfulness in anticipation of Christ's return. The events of the end times are seen as both a culmination of history and a new beginning, where God's justice and righteousness will prevail. Subtopics Time in Prophetic Language, Means a Prophetic Year, or 360 Natural Time: All Events of, Predetermined by God Time: All God's Purposes Fulfilled in Due Time Time: Computed by Hours, After the Captivity Time: Daniel's Reckoning of Time, and Times, and Half Times Time: Division of, Into Watches Time: Epochs of Before the Flood Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Accession of Kings Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Building of the Temple Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Nativity of the Patriarchs During the Patriarchal Age Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Captivity Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Exodus from Egypt Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Jubilee Time: One Day is Like One-Thousand Years Time: Part of a Period of, Usually Counted As the Whole Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Accepted Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Ancient Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Evil Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Healing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Need Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Reformation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Refreshing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Restitution of all Things Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Temptation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Trouble Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Visitation Time: Shortness of Man's Portion of Time: should be Spent in Fear of God Time: The Duration of the World Time: The Heavenly Bodies, Appointed As a Means for Computing Time: The Measure of the Continuance of Anything Time: The Sun-Dial Early Invented for Pointing Out Related Terms |