When Will the World Come to an End?
Bible Study Guide (Olivet Discourse – End Times Series)
What in the world is going on? The rise in lawlessness and immorality, global chaos and natural disasters are leading many people to ask, “When will the world come to an end?”
Jesus teaches us here in this verse a potent lesson while giving us the answer to a growing question.
The rapture is an imminent event that requires no trigger event to cause it to occur. This is why it’s imminent. It can happen at any moment. When God decides it’s time, it’ll happen. Unlike the rapture, Jesus tells us clearly that something has to happen before the end comes.
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
First, We’ll define “the gospel of the kingdom.” Then, we’ll peel back the layers of the things that need to happen before the end comes and this kingdom arrives. There are coming two clearly distinct “ends.” One is the end of this “current age” capped by the Second Coming of Christ. The other is the age of the 1000 year reign of Christ on Earth. This one will be capped at the end of the 1000 years with the White Throne Judgment.
In Matthew 24:14, Jesus’ teaching is focused on the current age.
Does the Gospel Need to Reach All Nations?
(Verse 14) As we peer closer to Jesus’ words, it’s evident He’s making clear that every individual, not just nations needs to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because at or before the end, every single person ever born will be eventually resurrected. Some, already to everlasting life in the coming kingdom with God. And others, to eternal damnation for turning their backs on their Creator.
Everyone at the end will be provided an opportunity to hear the gospel and make a decision. No one else can make that decision for you. Free will provides that chance to make your own decision. God will assure that you have heard the gospel before the end so you can be afforded your free will decision.
What will this look like? How will the gospel be spread to every last being before the end comes? How close are we to the gospel reaching all nations?
What Is the Gospel of the Kingdom?
The “gospel” is the “good news” of Jesus Christ. The “kingdom” refers to God’s rule—first in the hearts of born again believers through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, then in a literal, visible reign when Christ returns at the Second Coming to set up His kingdom and rule for 1000 years. This 1000 year reign is also known as the Millennial Kingdom or the Messianic Era.
John the Baptist preached on the gospel of the kingdom.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:2)
Jesus also preached of His coming kingdom.
“Jesus went throughout Galilee… proclaiming the good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 4:17, 23)
The disciples were commissioned to preach it.
“and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” (Luke 9:2)
“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’” (Matthew 10:7)
In the tribulation, it will be preached again worldwide. We’ll look closer at this in a moment.
The Gospel of the Kingdom vs. The Gospel of Grace
Gospel of grace focuses on personal salvation through the cross and resurrection.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)
Gospel of the kingdom includes salvation but emphasizes the return of Christ to rule as King. These are not contradictory—they are complementary parts of one redemptive message.
The gospel of the kingdom must reach all nations, even under tribulation conditions. This will be fulfilled by the Church before the rapture, and later by the 144,000, two witnesses, and the angel in Revelation 14.
But, When Will the World Come to an End?
There are many things that must occur for the world to come to an end. Jesus focuses on the gospel of the kingdom being preached to all.
Jesus provides a powerful prophetic foundation that connects directly to the events and figures in the Book of Revelation.
If you’re wondering if someone can be saved during the tribulation, the answer is yes.
Jesus’ declaration that the global proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom is a prerequisite to the “end”—specifically, the end of this age after the rapture, and through the tribulation and up to the return of Christ.
Once Christ returns, the opportunity to accept Christ and His kingdom of heaven will be gone.
Who’ll Spread the Gospel of the Kingdom in the Tribulation?
There will be three groups, specifically sent by God, under His protection to evangelize to those left behind. The world at that time will be filled with evil pagan opposer’s of God. There will also be a large number of people who heard the gospel of the kingdom before the rapture but chose not to believe.
Many will come to the realization in the tribulation that their parents, neighbors, friends, coworkers or even their pastor who shared the gospel with them, we’re right about Jesus. These will be among the first to accept Christ in the tribulation. Especially under the guidance of this team of evangelists.
| The 144,000 Jews of Israel | Revelation 7 & 14 |
| The Two Jewish Witnesses | Revelation 11 |
| The Angel with the Eternal Gospel | Revelation 14:6–7 |
Do you notice anything interesting about this team of divine evangelists? It has always been God’s intention to bless the nations and show His glory through His chosen people. He’ll accomplish His will in the tribulation with these Jewish believers in Christ. And people will come to know Christ and be saved. Just as it was always God’s desire.
When Will the World Come to an End? When these appointed by God have accomplished their purpose to preach the gospel of the kingdom to every living being during the tribulation before Christ returns.
The 144,000 Jews of Israel – Revelation 7 & 14
These are 12,000 sealed from each tribe of Israel, chosen and marked by God. They will be marked for divine protection and no harm will come upon them. Revelation 14:4 calls them “firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” They are seen proclaiming the truth of God during the tribulation.
They will be the first set of evangelists, chosen during or just after the rapture, to fulfill Matthew 24:14 during the tribulation. As the Church is removed (raptured), God will raise up these Jewish witnesses to carry out a global gospel mission amid increasing judgment.
Today’s believers are the result of what 12 fishermen chosen by Christ did to spread the gospel of kingdom over two thousand years ago as Jesus asked them to. Imagine what 144,000 divinely protected Jewish evangelist will do in the tribulation. In all fairness, these 144,000 are on a time crunch. Christ will be returning in 7 years of less.
They will fulfill Jesus’ prophecy by continuing to testify to all nations during the darkest time in human history.
The Two Witnesses – Revelation 11
These two are powerful prophets who minister from Jerusalem for 1,260 days (first half of the tribulation). There is much speculation about who these two might be. But the Bible does not reveal specifically who they are or offer any indications. So we’ll leave it at that.
They perform miracles, preach repentance, and testify against the Antichrist system. These two witnesses are central figures in proclaiming the truth of God’s kingdom. Except their focus will be narrowed down to the nation of Israel and the watching world.
They will be the second part of this global ministry team. After they are killed and resurrected, the whole world watches—showing a global awareness of their message.
The Angel with the Eternal Gospel – Revelation 14:6–7
“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” (Revelation 14:6-7)
This will be the direct supernatural fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 during the latter part of the tribulation. God ensures that no one is left without hearing the gospel, even when deception and judgment dominate.
This is the final call before the wrath intensifies under the bowl judgments. Every single individual ever born of a woman will hear the gospel of the kingdom by this time.
Putting It All Together: A Timeline Connection
Before the Rapture: The Church fulfills Matthew 24:14 through missions and evangelism.
After the Rapture: The 144,000 and two witnesses carry forward that mission.
Mid-to-Late Tribulation: The angel proclaims the gospel supernaturally to the whole world.
“Then the end will come.” Followed by final judgments and the Second Coming of Christ.
Spiritual Insight
Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:14 show God’s justice and mercy. Before judgment falls, He ensures that everyone has the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel—whether through the Church, Israel’s remnant, prophets, or even angels.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
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