The Coming of Christ and the Kingdoms — a Clear Chronology using Jesus’ words first, then His original apostles, then the Prophets
Below is a simple, Bible-only timeline. I begin with Jesus’ words, then add John, Peter, James, and Acts, and then the Prophets. All verses are NKJV references in parentheses.The Present Age: the Kingdom grows while we wait for the end
Jesus said the kingdom starts small and grows in this world like a mustard seed that becomes a tree and like leaven working through flour (Matthew 13:31–33). He also said there would be good seed and weeds together until the harvest at “the end of the age,” when angels separate the wicked from the just (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43).In this age there are wars, disasters, persecution, and many false christs and false prophets (Matthew 24:4–14; Mark 13:5–13; Luke 21:8–19). The gospel is preached in all the world and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).
2) The Final Birth Pains and the Great Tribulation
Before Jesus returns, He said there will be a unique time of “great tribulation” unlike anything before or after (Matthew 24:21–22; Mark 13:19–20). He pointed us to “the abomination of desolation” spoken by Daniel as a key sign (Matthew 24:15; cf. Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11).There will be intense deception and powerful signs to mislead, if possible, even the elect (Matthew 24:23–26). Immediately after that tribulation, the sun and moon will be darkened, stars will fall, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Matthew 24:29; Joel 2:30–31; Isaiah 13:10; 34:4).
3) The Visible Second Coming of the Son of Man
Then the sign of the Son of Man appears in heaven; all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27).He will send His angels with a great trumpet sound to gather His elect from one end of heaven to the other (Matthew 24:31). His coming will be sudden and open, like lightning from east to west (Matthew 24:27). No one knows the day or hour—so we must watch and be ready (Matthew 24:36–44; Mark 13:32–37).
Where He comes
Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives and will return in like manner (Acts 1:9–12). Zechariah adds that the Mount of Olives will split in two when the LORD comes and fights for Jerusalem, and living waters will flow from the city (Zechariah 14:3–8, 16–19).His judgment as He sits on His throne
When the Son of Man comes in His glory and all the holy angels with Him, He will sit on the throne of His glory and gather all nations before Him for judgment (Matthew 25:31–32). He separates like a shepherd separates sheep and goats (Matthew 25:33–46).4) The First Resurrection and Christ’s Reign (the “thousand years”)
John saw Jesus return in glory to judge and make war (Revelation 19:11–16), defeat the beast and the false prophet (Revelation 19:19–21), and then Satan bound so that he cannot deceive the nations for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1–3).John also saw thrones and those who were faithful to Jesus live and reign with Christ for a thousand years—this is called “the first resurrection”; “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection” (Revelation 20:4–6).
What this reign looks like in the Prophets
The Prophets describe a time of the LORD’s rule over the earth, with peace and justice:- The LORD will judge between nations; swords become plowshares; people learn war no more (Isaiah 2:2–4; Micah 4:1–4).
- The earth is filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea; creation is at peace under the Root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1–10).
- Long lives and renewed joy in Jerusalem are pictured (Isaiah 65:18–25).
- All nations will go up year by year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and keep the Feast of Tabernacles; those who refuse have no rain (Zechariah 14:16–19).
- The kingdom given to the Son of Man is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away; and the saints receive the kingdom (Daniel 7:13–14, 18, 27).
5) Satan’s Release, the Final Rebellion, and God’s Fire
After the thousand years, Satan is released for a short time. He deceives the nations again and gathers them to surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them. Then the devil is cast into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:7–10).6) The Great White Throne and the Second Resurrection
Then comes the great white throne. Heaven and earth flee away before God’s face (Revelation 20:11). The dead, small and great, stand before God. The books are opened, and another book is opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead are judged according to their works by the things written in the books (Revelation 20:12–13). Death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire—this is the second death. Anyone not found written in the Book of Life is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14–15).Jesus had already taught that there will be a resurrection of life and a resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28–29).
7) The New Heavens and New Earth: the Eternal Kingdom
John then saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away (Revelation 21:1). He saw the New Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:2).A loud voice says, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.” No more death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:3–4). The overcomer inherits all things, and God will be his God (Revelation 21:7). The city has the river of the water of life and the tree of life; the throne of God and of the Lamb is there; His servants shall serve Him… and they shall reign forever and ever (Revelation 22:1–5).
The Prophets also spoke of this promise: “new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). Peter, an original apostle, confirms the same hope: “the day of the Lord” will bring the dissolution of the present heavens and earth, and we look for “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:10–13).
Cont. next post.
Last edited: