Are there signs around us that the end is sooner than we may think?
According to Randy Kay, a Christian speaker and near-death experience survivor, the events of the end times are already unfolding—and Scripture has laid out five key prophetic signs to watch for. These markers, rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, serve as guideposts to understanding the season of Christ’s return and our role as believers in these final days.
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1. The Mass Return of the Jews to Israel
The first major prophetic event, Kay says, is the miraculous return of Jewish people to their homeland. Fulfilled in part with the 1948 establishment of the modern state of Israel, this return is foretold in numerous passages including Ezekiel 36–37, Isaiah 11, and Jeremiah 31. It is the foundational trigger point for all other end-time events. Kay emphasizes that “the founding of Israel is the trigger point of end times prophecy.”
2. A Seven-Year Covenant with the Antichrist
The next sign is a future covenant brokered by the Antichrist, described in Daniel 9:27 and Isaiah 28. This agreement, appearing to bring peace to the Middle East, will initiate the seven-year tribulation period. It will be a false peace that ultimately sets the stage for global deception and persecution.
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3. The Rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem
The third prophetic marker is the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Revelation 11, Daniel 9, and 2 Thessalonians 2 all speak of the temple’s central role in end-time prophecy. According to Kay, preparations for the third temple are already underway, with “red heifers…bred in the United States of America” and priests trained and ready, to make an “animal sacrifice…in the new temple.”
Though Jesus is the ultimate atonement, Kay notes that “the Jewish people are ready to rebuild the temple” as part of their expectation for the Messiah’s arrival.
4. The Antichrist Breaks the Covenant and Invades Israel
Midway through the seven-year period, the Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel, launching a global wave of persecution against the Jewish people. This betrayal is prophesied in Zechariah 14, Revelation 12–13, and Daniel 11. Nations such as Russia, Iran, Turkey and Libya will form a coalition to attack Israel as described in Ezekiel 38–39.
5. Israel Will Recognize Jesus as the Messiah
The final sign we must be on the lookout for is Israel’s spiritual awakening. Zechariah 12:10 prophesies a moment when the Jewish people will “look upon Me whom they have pierced” and mourn, leading to national repentance and revival. Kay points to the growing movement today, stating that “a million people of Jewish descent are following Jesus” as Messiah — a number that continues to rise.
As natural disasters increase, society experiences moral decay, and global evangelism accelerates, Kay urges believers to stay vigilant. “No one knows the hour of the day,” he says, “but we are watching.” He warns, “We need to keep our lamps lit…We need to be ready to meet our Lord.” He calls on believers to fulfill their God-given purpose now: “If you’ve been thinking about putting off what you intended on a ministry level, then do it now. Time is of the essence.”
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Though the times are challenging, Kay also offers hope: “Heaven is storming. The glory of God is pouring out…It is happening now.” He reminds listeners that “God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:9), assuring believers that the rapture will remove the church before the tribulation begins.
The signs of the end times are unfolding rapidly, confirming that we are living in a pivotal generation marked by revival, global upheaval and prophetic fulfillment. While no one knows the exact hour, the call to readiness is clear—embrace your purpose, keep your faith strong and prepare your heart for the return of Jesus Christ.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
