When Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Lord, when will these things be and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?” they spoke from a basic human desire to know what’s coming. Every parent has repeatedly heard the question, “when will we get there?” It’s our nature to want to know.
So when Jesus told the disciples that the Temple would be brought down, the disciples evidently understood that it would happen in the context of a larger, world changing event. They wanted that explained. Theologians call the matter “eschatology.” It means the study of the “way out” or “the study of the end.”
The problem of course is that the Bible never lays out exactly how the end will come, at least not the way we would like it to. Jesus talked about it in the Gospels, in Matthew 24 and 25. Paul wrote about it in 2 Thessalonians. Peter wrote of it in 2 Peter 3. And there’s the Book of Revelation, the Apocalypse, to tell us about it. It’s important to remember that the word “apocalypse” doesn’t mean destruction, it’s not about a dystopian world. It means “to reveal that which had been hidden.” It tells us about what is coming. More importantly, it tells us Who is coming.
The problem is that we, as humans, want it all in order. We want a road map, telling us all the roads, landmarks, directions, hazards, everything, all in nice order. But that’s not how it is given to us. Countless efforts and endless hours have been spent crafting graphs and charts, timelines, and diagrams, all to make it crystal clear. In my experience though, it’s been clarity at the expense of accuracy, creating more questions than answers.
So how about we just focus on the things we know, what the Bible says will happen, and leave the details to the One Who will be doing it.
First, Jesus is coming back. That we know with as much certainty as any faith proposition can be. (John 14.2,3)
Second, Jesus’ return will be radically different than His first coming. (Revelation 14 and 19, especially 19.11-21) Jesus’ return will usher in a new world, one of perfect peace, harmony, justice, and love (Revelation 21 and 22). This will require the complete removal of the present heaven, earth, and all that are involved with it (2 Peter 3).
Jesus’ return will be sudden, unexpected by those not specifically watching for it. (Mark 13.33-37, I Thessalonians 5) but longed for by His people (2 Timothy 4.8.)
Jesus’ return will be a world wide event (Matthew 24.27.) In fact, the entire cosmic order will be changed (2 Peter 3.1).
After Jesus’ return every man, woman, and child who has ever lived will stand before God in judgement, but that experience will be completely different for those who are found “in Christ” (Acts 10.42, 2 Timothy 4.1, 1 Peter 4.4,5, 1 Corinthians 3.) For those in Christ this will be a judgment unto reward. For those outside of Christ, eternal punishment.
Christians may experience trials and tribulations before Jesus returns, but the Lord will be with His people in every situation. He will always care for us (Matthew 28.20.)
Obviously a lot more could be said. The exact order of all these things remains, in the main, a mystery. But this we know. Jesus will return for His church, for His bride. In that we have perfect hope.