How Can We Let Go of Fear Surrounding the End Times?
The concept of the end times, known as eschatology within theological studies, is a topic that causes much fear in the hearts of believers. While this is a common fear, it is one that can be alleviated by a proper understanding of the Bible. There are many frightening events of eschatology, such as the seven-year tribulation, the Great White Throne Judgment, and the lake of fire; however, as believers, we don't have to be scared of any of these events. As believers in the Lord Jesus, we will not have to partake in the end times events; rather, our eternal destination is found in the New Heaven and New Earth with the Lord (Revelation 21:1-7). The seven-year tribulation and the lake of fire are only for those who have chosen to reject Jesus as their Savior. With this in mind, we can quickly see why we don't need to be afraid of the end times.
Yes, there are many people who do need to be worried about the end times, but as believers, we can find lasting hope and security within the topic of eschatology by looking at the Bible and studying the end times. While there are different schools of thought when it comes to eschatology (Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology), the same conclusion of the end times is reached between both thoughts—all believers will be living in the New Heaven and New Earth with the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit at the end of all things.
Learning about the Tribulation
The seven-year tribulation is also known as the seventieth week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). The earliest prophecies surrounding the future tribulation are found in the Old Testament Book of Daniel. The tribulation will not be a pleasant time as there will be the judgments of God (Revelation 16:1-21). These judgments will be terrible, and the Antichrist will rise to power.
He will rule for seven years; however, after the first three and a half years, he will break his covenant with Israel, and he will start wreaking havoc upon the world (Daniel 9:27). For those living on the earth at this time, there will be great distress that has never been faced before. God has limited these days in order to spare many (Matthew 24:21-22).
Believers will not have to undergo the tribulation because we will be taken up in the rapture of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). The rapture happens before the tribulation, which means believers will not have to go through those terrible days. Only unbelievers will have to go through the tribulation, and this is actually God’s final push to bring His children back to Him. Many unbelievers will come to Christ during the tribulation.
The Antichrist will want all people to worship him, and he will kill anyone who worships God. The Antichrist will be working with Satan as they will create their own false trinity of the devil, the Antichrist, and the false prophet. They will deceive many, yet many will still come to know the Lord during this time. Those who place faith in Jesus and will be killed for their faith become tribulation saints (Revelation 7:9-17).
As believers, we will be in Heaven with the Lord. During the time of the tribulation, we will undergo the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 5:10). This is NOT a judgment of salvation but an evaluation of works. We will have rewards given depending on how we lived for Christ and how we served Him.
Questions to Ponder:
What do you know about the tribulation prior to today? What do you believe now?
As believers, we won’t have to go through the tribulation. How does this bring your soul hope today?
The antichrist will be a terrible person, but it is not good to accuse people of being the antichrist in the modern day. If you have done this in the past, how can you prevent yourself from doing this in the future?
The Fate of Unbelievers
We can dismantle our fears surrounding the end times by knowing that our fate is not the same as unbelievers. Unbelievers will find their fate in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). However, everyone who has placed faith in Jesus will have eternal life with Him. We will never have to face the lake of fire or separation from God. It is a great tragedy that many people will not be in the New Heaven and New Earth, but this is a decision they have made for themselves.
Placing faith in Jesus is a personal decision, and it is the most important decision any of us will ever make. Our eternal destination is in our hands. We can place faith in Jesus and spend eternity with Him, or we can reject Him and spend eternity separated from Him in the lake of fire. If you are already a believer, rest in the peace of knowing your eternal destination is with Jesus. There is no reason to fear because you are safely kept in the hands of the Lord.
There is nothing in this world that can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:37-39). Remind yourself of this truth whenever you catch yourself feeling scared about the end times. We will all go through the end times, yet as believers, we will not go through the tribulation, the Great White Throne Judgment, or the lake of fire. Instead, we have the privilege of participating in the beautiful parts of the end times, such as the rapture of the church, being in Heaven, living in the Millennial Kingdom, and living for eternity with the Lord in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Questions to Ponder:
Our fate is not the same as unbelievers. How does this bring you hope, but also conviction?
How can you help others come to know Him today?
Nothing will separate us from the love of God. How can you reflect on this truth today?
Relying on Our Eternal Destination with Christ
With this in mind, rely on this knowledge to give you strength and bravery. Discussions surrounding the tribulation can be scary. Many pastors and Christian leaders try to instill fear into their congregations, but this isn't right. It might scare you for a small amount of time, yet fear doesn't last. However, what does last is love.
Scaring people into wanting to place faith in Jesus is not the right way to go. Their fear of the tribulation and the lake of fire will fade with time. However, if they place faith in Jesus out of their love for Him, their conversion will be sincere. If someone has tried to convince you that believers will face tribulation, know there is no biblical support for this mindset. As followers of Jesus, we will be spared from these terrible events.
Turn to the Lord today with a heart of praise. Cease to allow the end times to scare you any longer. God is in control of everything, and this includes the end times. Since you are a believer, there is no reason to be afraid. The end times are actually a beautiful time for us as believers because we are closer to the establishment of the New Heaven and New Earth—our eternal home. Instead of being afraid of the end times, allow it to fill your heart with hope, serenity, and security.
Questions to Ponder:
Has anyone ever tried to instill fear into your heart by using eschatology against you? How can you speak up against this in the future?
How can you focus on your eternal destination with Christ today?
How can you give praise to God today for His goodness?
“Dear God, thank You for helping me to let go of fear surrounding the end times. Help me to take courage in You and to know about my eternal destiny in the New Heaven and New Earth with You. I have been scared by many people in the past, but I’m choosing to rely only on what You say in the Bible going further. I praise You. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.”
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/chameleonseye
Originally published June 17, 2025.
