Understanding God’s Final Message Before the End of the Age
Bible Study Guide
Introduction To Revelation 4
John is about to be fully immersed in the most unimaginable experience of his lifetime—a divine encounter that would forever seal the closing chapter of Scripture. He’s about to be escorted to a front-row seat to witness the breathtaking events that unfold at the end of the age.
But before we step into this vision with him, let’s remember how it all began.
- John, now nearly ninety years old, was living in solitude as an exile on the small, rocky island of Patmos.
- He was likely the last remaining apostle of the twelve.
- He knew his days were numbered, and he waited quietly for the moment he would finally meet his Savior face-to-face.
Yet God had other plans. John’s story wasn’t over. Heaven still had one more mission for him—one that would define the end of the biblical record itself. The Lord had preserved John for such a time as this. His final task would be to deliver the most profound revelation ever given to man—a message that ties together everything the prophets foretold about the end of the age.
The Unexpected Visit
And then it happened.
Suddenly, the very One John had given three years of his life to follow—his best friend, his Lord, his Savior—appeared to him. Jesus Christ Himself had come to visit His beloved disciple.
It must have been both overwhelming and awe-inspiring. Perhaps John thought the Lord had come to escort him home to heaven, to finally rest from his long years of service. But instead, Jesus came with a purpose far greater.
John had spent his life following every word of His Master—and now, in his final years, he would continue to do just that. Jesus wasted no time revealing the reason for His visit: John was about to witness things no human eye had ever seen.
What Was, What Is, and What Is to Come at the End of the Age
John had already seen “what was”—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now, he would be shown “what is”—the present condition of the Church—and soon, “what is to come” at the end of the age.
The “what is” came through seven letters dictated by Jesus to seven churches. Yet these were not mere messages for those first-century congregations. They were living words, meant to echo through time—warnings, rebukes, and encouragements for every generation of believers.
Meant for All Christian Churches
Every Christian church today reflects the heart of at least one of those seven churches. These letters form a divine “state of the union” for the body of Christ, revealing what pleases Him and what grieves Him.
But the sobering truth is that not every church calling itself “Christian” truly follows Christ. There is only one real Jesus—the Jesus of Scripture. Many follow a version shaped by culture, comfort, or imagination. The seven letters of Revelation expose these false forms and call believers back to the truth.
They serve as a final warning: repent before it’s too late. Because what follows is the unimaginable judgment that marks the end of the age—the Tribulation.
Perhaps this is why so few churches (over 98%) avoid teaching Revelation. It’s uncomfortable. It demands self-examination. It separates the true from the false.
What Happens to the Church During the End of the Age Events?
John’s journey mirrors the unfolding plan of God.
He begins in solitude, receives the letters to the churches, and then is suddenly called up—ushered into a heavenly vision of what must soon take place.
And just like that, the Church disappears.
In the first three chapters of Revelation, the church is mentioned nineteen times. But beginning in chapter four—it’s gone. You can search every verse through chapter twenty-one, and you won’t find it again until chapter twenty-two.
So what happened to the church at the end of the age?
The Rapture Before the End of the Age (Tribulation)
The answer is powerful: the true Church has been raptured—caught up to be with Christ before the wrath of God is poured out on the earth.
Jesus is about to unveil the events of the coming Tribulation, the period of divine judgment reserved for all who have rejected the Son of God and the free gift of salvation He offered.
Those who remain will face judgment. But those who belong to Christ—the true believers—are not destined for wrath.
Remember His words to the faithful church of Philadelphia:
“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.”
(Revelation 3:10, NIV)
The faithful will be kept from this hour. They will be caught up to meet the Lord. The rest will remain behind, facing the darkest period in human history.
Closing Reflection: Standing at the Edge of the End of the Age
As John was called up through the open door in heaven, we too are standing before a threshold. The difference is — our door is still open, but only for a short while longer. The end of the age is not just a phrase; it’s a reality unfolding before our very eyes.
We are witnessing the convergence of signs foretold by prophets long ago — wars and rumors of wars, moral collapse, global deception, and a world preparing for a leader who will promise peace but deliver destruction. These aren’t distant echoes of prophecy; they are headlines of today.
Friend, this is not the time to drift in faith or blend in with a world racing toward judgment. Christ is calling His true Church — His bride — to wake up, to repent, and to return to her first love before the trumpet sounds. The same voice that called John upward will soon call every believer home.
When that happens, it will be too late to decide. The Church will be gone. The world will be thrown into chaos.
The question is — will you be ready when that moment comes?
Will you be among those who hear, “Come up here”, or will you be left behind to face the storm that follows?
The invitation is open now. The call is clear. The time is short.
The door to heaven will soon close — but today, it still stands open for all who will come to Christ in faith.
🙏Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the revelation of Your Word — the warning, the promise, and the hope it brings. As we stand at the threshold of the end of the age, stir our hearts to awaken fully to Your truth.
Lord, draw near to those who are lukewarm, weary, or wandering. Help us to see beyond the distractions of this world and fix our eyes on You alone. Let us not fear what lies ahead, but rejoice that our redemption draws near.
For those who do not yet know You, I pray You break through the noise and reach their hearts even now. May they hear Your call before the door closes and find eternal life in Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Keep us faithful, watchful, and ready — until that glorious day when You call us home.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
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