📖 “Beginning of Sorrows” — Understanding the End Times Through Scripture in a Simplistic Format

🔹 Matthew 24:3–8 (KJV)

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

🔍 What Does “Beginning of Sorrows” Mean?

The phrase “sorrows” is translated from the Greek word odin, meaning birth pains. Just like labor contractions, these events come with increasing frequency and intensity—signaling that something significant is approaching: the return of Jesus Christ.

✨ Signs of the Beginning of Sorrows (Matthew 24:4–8)

1. Spiritual Deception
   ➤ “Take heed that no man deceive you…”
   ➤ False Christs, counterfeit movements, doctrinal compromise.
2. Wars & Rumors of Wars
   ➤ Global conflicts, civil unrest, escalating geopolitical tensions.
3. Famines
   ➤ Food shortages, hunger crises increasing worldwide.
4. Pestilences
   ➤ Pandemics, deadly diseases, and mysterious illnesses.
5. Earthquakes in Divers Places
   ➤ Rising earthquake activity in unexpected regions.

🧭 Where Are We Now?

These signs are no longer future possibilities—they are our present reality. We are in the Beginning of Sorrows. The Great Tribulation has not yet begun, but the contractions have started.

📜 Supporting Scriptures

1. 2 Timothy 3:1–5 – Perilous Times

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come…”

➡️ Today’s culture shows clear signs: self-centeredness, rebellion, moral confusion, and spiritual coldness.

2. Matthew 24 – The Olivet Discourse

“Nation shall rise against nation… famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes…”

➡️ Ongoing wars, food insecurity, disease outbreaks like COVID, and natural disasters confirm Jesus’ prophecy.

3. Revelation 6 – The Four Horsemen

“…behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death…”

➡️ Some believe these judgments are already beginning to unfold through war, famine, and disease.

4. Daniel 12:4 – Explosion of Knowledge

“…knowledge shall be increased.”

➡️ Today’s advancements in AI, travel, and global communication echo this prophetic sign.

5. Revelation 13 – Global Control System

“No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark…”

➡️ Digital IDs, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and global surveillance may be the foundation for this future system.

🕰️ End Times Timeline – A Biblical Overview

Let’s look at a basic outline of what the Bible says about the final events of this age.

1. The 7-Year Tribulation Begins

🔹 Daniel 9:27 – “He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week…”
📌 This likely involves a peace deal centered on Israel.
⚠️ Watch for global leaders promising peace—it may signal the start.

2. First 3.5 Years – Tribulation

• Seals are opened (Revelation 6): war, famine, death.
• Two Witnesses begin preaching (Revelation 11:3).
• Jerusalem temple rebuilt.
• Rise of global governance and false religion.
⏳ We may be on the verge of this phase now.

3. Midpoint – Abomination of Desolation (3.5 Years In)

• Matthew 24:15: Antichrist enters temple, claims to be God.
• 2 Thessalonians 2:4: Blasphemy and global deception.
• Revelation 12: Satan cast down.
🚨 This is when many believe the Rapture will occur.

“Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken…” – Matthew 24:40

4. Last 3.5 Years – Great Tribulation

• Wrath of God poured out (Revelation 16).
• Mark of the Beast enforced (Revelation 13).
• Saints persecuted and martyred.
• Cosmic disturbances and judgments.

5. Second Coming of Christ

• Revelation 19:11–16: Jesus returns in power and glory.
• Antichrist and False Prophet destroyed.
• Satan bound for 1,000 years.

6. The Millennium (1,000-Year Reign)

• Peace on earth under Christ’s rule.
• Believers reign with Jesus (Revelation 20:4).
• Satan released at the end for one final test.

7. The Final Judgment – Great White Throne

• Revelation 20:11–15: The dead judged.
• Those not written in the Book of Life cast into the lake of fire.

8. New Heaven & New Earth

• Revelation 21–22: Eternal joy with God.
• No more pain, tears, or death.
• The New Jerusalem descends from heaven.

🙏 Final Thoughts

The signs are increasing, just as Jesus said they would. We are living in a time of prophecy being fulfilled before our eyes. This should not bring fear—but urgency, faith, and hope.

Now is the time to stay alert, stay grounded in Scripture, and draw closer to Jesus.

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” – Matthew 24:42