By Pastor David Santiago
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16
Few topics stir more curiosity, confusion, and conversation than the End Times. Is Jesus coming soon? What will happen to the Church? What does the Bible actually say?
As a Fellowship, the Assemblies of God holds to a premillennial view of eschatology. That means we believe Jesus will return before establishing a literal thousand-year reign on earth. This belief is not based on speculation but on Scripture. And while we acknowledge that some details are mysterious, the core truths are clear and essential.
What the Assemblies of God Believes About the End Times
The Assemblies of God affirms four foundational truths regarding the End Times:
- The Blessed Hope: the rapture of the Church
- The Millennial Reign of Christ
- The Final Judgment
- The New Heavens and the New Earth
These beliefs are rooted in Scripture and have shaped our mission, our preaching, and our urgency to share the gospel.
Key Events in the End Times According to Scripture
- The Rapture: Believers will be caught up to meet Christ in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16 to 17)
- The Tribulation: A seven year period of global distress, culminating in the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:4 to 46)
- The Second Coming: Christ returns with His saints to defeat evil and establish His reign (Revelation 19)
- The Millennium: A thousand-year reign of peace and righteousness (Revelation 20, Isaiah 2 and 11)
- Final Judgment: The wicked are judged and Satan is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20 verse 11)
- New Creation: God establishes a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21)
What This Means for the Church
- We live with urgency. Jesus is coming soon
- We preach with clarity. The gospel is the only hope
- We disciple with purpose. Every believer must be equipped
- We worship with expectation. Our King is returning
- We suffer with hope. The story ends in victory
How to Navigate Different Interpretations
While the Assemblies of God holds to a premillennial and pretribulational view, we recognize that sincere believers may interpret certain details differently. What matters most is that we stay anchored in Scripture, avoid speculation, and keep our eyes on Jesus.
A Word to the Watchful
If you are wondering about the End Times, do not be afraid. Be ready. Be faithful. Be rooted in the Word. First Thessalonians 4:16 is not just prophecy; it’s a promise. Jesus is coming. And He is coming for His Church.
A Prayer for Clarity and Courage
Lord,
You are the Alpha and the Omega. You hold the future in your hands.
For every heart wrestling with fear or confusion about the End Times, bring peace.
Help us to live ready, not anxious.
Help us to preach boldly, not passively.
Help us to love deeply, knowing time is short.
And let your Church be found faithful when you return.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Selah.
Sources:
Assemblies of God Position Paper on Premillennial Eschatology
Assemblies of God End Times Overview