Are we standing at the edge of the great unknown? If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you may have felt an unmistakable sense of unease. The unshakable feeling that something has shifted. Today, chaos reigns around the world, and just when you think there is a minute of peace, strange, unexplained events begin to unfold.
If you read the Bible, you may have noticed the parallels to ancient scripture. As such, many Christians are convinced a short countdown to the end of the world has begun. Among them is astrophysicist and Christian author Dr. Hugh Ross, who recently revealed five clues pointing to the existence of an afterlife. Ross’s revelations are adding fuel to the fire of the apocalypse debate.
Those who believe are convinced the complete final destruction of the world is at hand. Those who don’t are brushing off the debate as nothing more than fearmongering.
But who is right?
Related: Ten Eerily Prescient Past Predictions About Life in the Future
10 Unprecedented Earthquakes in Santorini
Santorini Earthquakes, A Ticking Timebomb In Disguise
Christians across the world held their breath as the situation in Santorini developed. Some turned to Matthew 24:7 and Luke 21:11. According to these verses, “And there shall be great earthquakes in divers places, and pestilences, and famines” as part of the signs leading up to the end times.
In case you missed it, the Greek island of Santorini has experienced more than 10,000 earthquakes since late January 2025. Most tremors are too light to feel; however, some have measured magnitudes of up to 5.2 on the Richter scale.
With these many quakes in such a short time, many believers point out that it is a sign of the times. Even the most hardened doubters, holding on to the fact that seismic activity is nothing new to the area, are beginning to wonder whether this is just nature taking its course or something more sinister.[1]
9 War, War Everywhere
WW3: Whose side are you on?
The whole world seems to be at war right now. Over the last five years, global conflicts have rapidly increased. In fact, the number of conflict zones has risen by approximately 65%. Key regions include Ukraine, Myanmar, the Middle East, and Africa’s Sahel, where wars and unrest have intensified. And things are not predicted to improve in 2025, even if there is a very tense ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Several verses in the Bible predict that things will escalate before the end of the earth as we know it. In Matthew 24:6-7, Jesus warns, “And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars… For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”
Similarly, Revelation 6:4 denotes a rider on a red horse, symbolizing war and bloodshed. A chilling indication of the violence and strife that will escalate as part of the tribulations leading up to Christ’s return.[2]
8 No One Is Scared of Prison (or Even the Death Penalty)
“Our Courtrooms Are Crumbling!” | Trial Delays ‘Actively Harming’ Victims
I’m sure you can identify with the feeling that there is no justice for criminals. “They get away with everything.” It’s not just you. The UK recently reported that its justice system is facing a severe crisis, as evidenced by public trust in police and the fact that the courts are declining to about 40%. This erosion of confidence is largely due to lenient legal responses and criminals receiving lighter sentences than expected, emboldening those up to no good.
The cost of enforcing the death penalty, coupled with shifting public opinion, has caused many governments to do away with capital punishment. Studies have also shown that it does not effectively reduce crime rates. Many criminals, especially those with violent tendencies, simply do not seem to be deterred by the fear of being executed.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul delivers a chilling prophecy, warning that in the last days, “Men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, haughty, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, wicked… Without affection, without peace, slanderers, incontinent, unmerciful, without kindness… Traitors, stubborn, puffed up, and lovers of pleasures more than of God…” Are we witnessing the end times? The warning signs are certainly hard to miss.[3]
7Technology Is Making Us Smarter than Ever Before
Is smart technology making us dumb? | GMF compact
Daniel 12:4: “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time appointed: many shall pass over, and knowledge shall be manifold.”
Over the last century, technological advancements have enabled us to access vast amounts of information, communicate instantly across the globe, and solve problems faster than ever.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics have significantly increased knowledge. Essentially, the answer to any question you’ve ever dreamed of now lives on your phone.
In his book The Age of Spiritual Machines, Ray Kurzweil discusses the concept of machines surpassing human intelligence. Does this align with biblical prophecies of unprecedented knowledge and technological advancement in the last days?[4]
6 The Locusts Are Eating Everything
Even Locusts Hate Plagues of Locusts
Since January 2025, the locust outbreaks in Ethiopia and Somalia have been the worst in 25 years. In Kenya, swarms as large as 926.6 square miles have devastated vast areas of land, the worst in 75 years. One such swarm can consume the same amount of food as 90 million people in a single day.
And as if the locusts eating everything in sight isn’t bad enough, researchers from the University of the Free State, the National Health Laboratory Service, and the University of Venda recently found that brown locusts can harbor the pathogenic yeast Candida auris.
The pathogen was found in both the foregut and hindgut of the locusts, suggesting the yeast survives the insect’s digestive process and is reintroduced into the environment through their feces. Extremely bad news for anyone with a compromised immune system, as it can cause severe infections.
In Revelation 9:3-11, a terrifying vision unfolds as locusts are unleashed to bring suffering to humanity for five months, a period during which they will not kill but will cause intense pain. They aren’t ordinary insects but demonic entities with the power to torment, described as having the appearance of horses prepared for battle, with faces like humans and stingers like scorpions. Could we be drawing closer to the day when these horrors become reality?[5]
5 Sorry, Who Are You Again?
1 Million People Think He’s Jesus Christ
In March 2024, Eliud Simiyu, a Kenyan man from Bungoma, claimed he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. When news of this claim hit social media, the response was mixed. Many netizens called for the man to undergo a crucifixion test. Upon hearing this, he fled the area, seeking refuge at a local police station. Other commenters wanted to know whether he could perform miracles like turning water into tea.
While this example of a “false prophet” may not have been taken that seriously, many believers fear that the world will be deceived on a deeper level and be taken in by those who proclaim that they are doing good while hiding a much darker agenda.
“Then if any man shall say to you: Lo here is Christ, or there, do not believe him… For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect.” Matthew 24:23-24.[6]
4 What Is That in the Sky?
5 Incredibly Rare Things That Will Appear in The Sky in 2025
During 2024, several significant celestial events captured the imagination of people worldwide. Meteor showers, solar and lunar eclipses, and the Aurora Borealis reaching unusually far south have given rise to much discussion and speculation.
Add to this the Planet Parade that was visible on February 8, 2025, and the total lunar eclipse, or “Blood Moon,” set to make an appearance on March 14, 2025. So it’s no wonder Christians across the world are watching the skies with bated breath.
According to Matthew 24:29 and Luke 21:25-26, celestial events of unimaginable magnitude will unfold, causing the heavens to tremble, signaling the end. Revelation 6:12-14 paints an apocalyptic picture of the sun turning black, the moon becoming like blood, and the stars falling to the earth. Is this what we are seeing in the nighttime skies?[7]
3 Whatever Happened to Morals?
How the Elite rigged Society (and why it’s falling apart) | David Brooks
As previously mentioned, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes the moral decay that will characterize the world during the end times. Matthew 24:12 echoes this: “And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold.”
Reading these passages, it’s easy to see why believers warn of the end times. Who would argue that the world is in a moral decline? Corruption is at an all-time high, prisons are overflowing, and the court system is backed up everywhere. Everywhere you look, criminals are getting away with murder. Literally.
Interestingly, the belief that the world is in a moral decline has been around for many years. Survey data from a study published in 2023 revealed that over the last 70 years, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and regions agreed that moral standards have deteriorated.
As the study revealed, what we’re seeing around us is less about the decline of morals and values and more about the rise of media and the overemphasis on negative events. Or are we indeed entering the lawless age before the world comes to an end?[8]
2 Drought, Famine, and Incurable Diseases Happening in Unexpected Places
Concern grows over looming famine in Ethiopia | DW News
The Bible predicts that drought, famine, and incurable diseases will be prevalent in the last days, serving as warnings and judgments during the period leading up to Christ’s return. Revelation 6:5-8, Matthew 24:7, and Luke 21:11 all point to this.
Is it any wonder that many believers are convinced that we are currently experiencing end times as drought and famine due to climate change increasingly affect regions previously considered less vulnerable?
The destruction of health infrastructure due to severe climate conditions (such as the case of Cyclone Freddy in Malawi) also exacerbates the spread of incurable diseases. At the same time, food scarcity leads to severe malnutrition. Is biblical prophecy being fulfilled, or is it just another terrible day?[9]
1 Christians Don’t Have It Easy
ISIS-Linked ADF Executed 70 Christians in Gruesome DRC Church Attack
Worldwide, approximately 365 million Christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination, marking an increase from 340 million in 2021.
This is according to the Open Doors’ World Watch List and means that one in seven Christians is currently experiencing maltreatment because of their faith. In 2023, 4,998 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons. And just in February 2025, 70 Christians were beheaded in a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Bible explicitly warns that religious persecution, particularly against Christians, will intensify during the end times. Matthew 24:9: “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall put you to death: and you shall be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.” 2 Timothy 3:12 makes the chilling prediction that followers of Jesus will lose their lives, and in Revelation 6:9-11, John sees the souls of those who were martyred for their faith crying out for justice.[10]
+ Bonus: Mockery and Disbelief
The Bible Warns Us About the TIMING of Jesus’ Return
2 Peter 3:4 warns that in the last days, people will scoff at the idea of Christ’s return, asking, ” Where is his promise or his coming? for since the time that the fathers slept, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”
Examples like the “Great Disappointment” of 1844, when preacher William Miller predicted that Jesus Christ would return to Earth, don’t help matters. Because of their disappointment in this false prophecy, many believers became skeptical and abandoned their belief in the Second Coming entirely. Mockery and ridicule naturally ensued.
Today, public figures and media continue to use the concept of the Second Coming mockingly or sarcastically. Playing with fire?[11]
fact checked by
Darci Heikkinen
Estelle
Estelle is a regular writer for Listverse.
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