The central promise of Scripture is the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, the Apostle Peter warned us of those who, in the last days, would scoff at this hope. It is for this very reason that we must stand for the truth, recognizing the unmistakable signs that God has given us, proving that the King is indeed at the very gates.
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4, KJV)
The prophecies are not riddles, but lamp posts illuminating the way for the watchful. Here are five undeniable signs manifesting in our generation that testify to the imminence of the Lord’s Return.
Sign 1: The Restoration of Israel (The Fig Tree)
The greatest prophetic sign for the last days is the restoration of the Jewish people to their ancient homeland and the re-establishment of the nation of Israel. After nearly two thousand years of dispersion, this event is unprecedented in human history.
Jesus used the imagery of the fig tree to signify the nation of Israel and the timing of the end:
“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things shall be fulfilled.” (Matthew 24:32-34, KJV)
The rebirth of Israel in 1948 and its continued, miraculous existence—despite the relentless opposition of the nations—is the “tender branch” that signals the summer of the Lord’s Return is “nigh, even at the doors.”
Sign 2: The Rise of the Global System
Scripture speaks clearly of a final world-governing power that will dominate all the inhabitants of the earth just before Christ returns. This system requires unprecedented global cooperation, communication, and centralization of authority.
The prophet Daniel and the Apostle John foretold a Beast system with dominion over all people. Today, we witness the astonishing integration of global commerce, digital identity systems, and rapid international governance attempts, making such a universal empire technologically and politically feasible for the first time in history.
“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8, KJV)
The rapid erosion of national sovereignty and the demand for digital currency and control are paving the way for the dominion that the Antichrist will soon commandeer.
Sign 3: The Increase of Knowledge and Travel
The prophet Daniel was told to seal up his words until the time of the end, at which point an amazing acceleration of human activity would take place, allowing for the widespread dissemination of his prophecies.
“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4, KJV)
No previous generation has seen the explosion of both knowledge (the Digital Age, the Internet, artificial intelligence) and travel (airplanes, high-speed rail, global mobility) that we observe today. This simultaneous increase ensures that the Gospel can reach all nations, and simultaneously, that the prophetic warnings of the end can be universally distributed and understood.
Sign 4: The Moral Decay and Apostasy
The Bible predicts that the last days will be characterized by a widespread moral collapse and a great falling away from the true Christian faith. The outward display of religion will remain, but the inward power will be denied.
The Apostle Paul provided a detailed portrait of the depraved character that would dominate society in the period immediately preceding Christ’s return:
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, KJV)
The rejection of absolute truth, the celebration of self-worship, and the widespread departure from sound doctrine within the visible church are a clear fulfillment of these perilous times.
Sign 5: The Preaching of the Gospel to All Nations
Before the final conclusion of the age and the return of the Son of Man, one ultimate task must be completed: the global preaching of the Gospel as a testimony to every single national, ethnic, and tribal group.
Jesus Christ gave this specific, non-negotiable prerequisite:
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14, KJV)
Through technology, global missions, satellite communication, and the tireless work of believers worldwide, the Gospel is now penetrating the final unreached people groups. When this great commission is fulfilled to the Lord’s satisfaction, the final curtain will drop, and the King will return.
The Call to Preparation
The abundance of these signs is not given to satisfy curiosity, but to compel preparation. The certainty of the Lord’s Return demands that we examine our hearts, purge our lives of unholiness, and dedicate ourselves fully to the work of the Kingdom.
Be not of those who scoff, but of those who watch and wait with garments clean. The time is short, and the Master is at hand.