Leading up the "That Day"

The rise of the Antichrist,

a powerful and charismatic leader who will deceive many people and oppose God and His people. He will make a seven-year covenant with Israel, but break it in the middle and set up an abomination that causes desolation in the temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:1-18).

The great tribulation,

a time of unprecedented distress and persecution for the followers of Christ and the Jewish people. It will last for three and a half years, or 42 months, or 1,260 days, after the Antichrist breaks the covenant with Israel (Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:15-28; Revelation 11:2-3; 12:6; 13:5).

The rapture,

the sudden and miraculous catching up of all true believers in Christ to meet Him in the air. It will happen before the wrath of God is poured out on the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Revelation 3:10).

The wrath of God,

the series of judgments that God will unleash on the earth during the second half of the tribulation. They include seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls, each containing various plagues and disasters (Revelation 6-16).

The battle of Armageddon,

the final confrontation between the forces of God and the forces of Satan, led by the Antichrist and his allies. It will take place in the valley of Megiddo, near Jerusalem (Revelation 16:16; 19:11-21).

The second coming of Christ,

the glorious and visible return of Jesus Christ to the earth with His saints and angels. He will defeat His enemies, rescue His people, and establish His kingdom on earth (Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation 19:11-21; Zechariah 14:1-9).

The millennium,

the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth with His saints. It will be a time of peace, justice, and righteousness. Satan will be bound during this period, but released at the end to lead one final rebellion against God (Revelation 20:1-10; Isaiah 11:1-9; Micah 4:1-5).

The final judgment,

the ultimate destiny of all people, whether righteous or wicked. The dead will be resurrected and stand before God. Those whose names are written in the book of life will enter eternal life, while those whose names are not found will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15; John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:31-46).

The new heaven and new earth,

the eternal state of God’s people in His presence. God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no more sin, sorrow, pain, or death. He will also make a new Jerusalem, the holy city, where He will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21-22; Isaiah 65:17-25; 2 Peter 3:13).