How Revelation Describes the End of the World—Timeline of the Last Days Explained

Biblewithlife August 25, 2025

111 4 minutes read

A visual timeline of the end of the world as described in the Book of Revelation, from seals to the new creation. — A vivid visual representation of the timeline of the end of the world, following the prophetic events described in the Book of Revelation from the seals to the New Heaven and New Earth.

✨ Unveiling the Final Prophecy: The End of All Things

The Book of Revelation is the Bible’s grand finale—an awe-inspiring vision of the triumph of Jesus Christ and the unfolding of God’s plan to bring history to its ultimate conclusion. While filled with strange symbols and cosmic events, Revelation isn’t intended to confuse believers. Rather, it offers a powerful, detailed timeline of the end of the world—a divine roadmap marked by judgment, victory, and eternal hope.

In this article, we’ll walk through that timeline—from the opening of the seven seals to the arrival of the New Jerusalem. Along the way, we’ll uncover the meaning behind each prophetic stage and what it tells us about God’s sovereignty and Christ’s return.

1. The Seven Seals: The Beginning of Judgment 📜

Revelation chapters 6 to 8 begin with Jesus—portrayed as the Lamb—opening a sealed scroll. Each of the seven seals releases a wave of divine judgment.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse 🏇

The first four seals introduce the symbolic riders known as the Four Horsemen:

White Horse (Rev. 6:2): Represents conquest or a counterfeit peace, possibly linked to the rise of the Antichrist.
Red Horse (v.4): Symbolizes war and bloodshed.
Black Horse (v.5): Represents famine and economic collapse.
Pale Horse (v.8): Brings widespread death through plague, famine, and violence.

These riders don’t act independently—they are released under Christ’s authority as part of God’s sovereign plan. Some interpretations explore a possible fifth rider, as discussed in Is There a Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse?

Martyrs and Cosmic Signs

The fifth seal (6:9–11) reveals the souls of believers martyred for their faith, crying out for divine justice. The sixth seal unleashes a global catastrophe—earthquakes, a darkened sun, and a blood-red moon—terrifying all who witness it.

The Seventh Seal

The final seal (8:1) introduces silence in heaven before the seven trumpets are sounded, symbolizing a pause for the weight of coming judgment.

2. The Seven Trumpets: A Call to Repent 🎺

The trumpets in Revelation 8–11 mark an escalation of judgment, affecting creation and humanity alike. They serve as divine warnings and call people to repentance.

First Four Trumpets: Environmental Devastation 🌿

These judgments strike the earth’s ecosystems:

Burning vegetation (8:7)
A blazing mountain cast into the sea (8:8)
Poisoned rivers from a star called Wormwood (8:10–11)
Darkness over a third of the heavens (8:12)

These events echo the plagues of Egypt and remind us that God is Lord over nature.

Fifth and Sixth Trumpets: Supernatural Terrors 🦂

The fifth trumpet (9:1–11) opens the abyss, releasing demonic locusts led by Apollyon. Their torment drives people to madness. Their role aligns with the insights in Lucifer’s Generals: Who Leads the Fallen Angels in the Final Battle?

The sixth trumpet (9:13–19) unleashes a terrifying army led by four angels bound at the Euphrates River. This massive force destroys a third of mankind. Their origin connects with Why Are 4 Fallen Angels Bound in the Euphrates?

Seventh Trumpet: Heaven Declares Victory 🎉

Rather than destruction, this trumpet brings declaration:

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord…” (Revelation 11:15)

This moment is explored further in What Will Happen When the Seventh Trumpet Sounds?

3. The Seven Bowls: Wrath Without Restraint 🔥

Revelation 16 reveals God’s final judgments—the seven bowls of wrath. Unlike the trumpets, which affect a portion of creation, the bowls bring total devastation.

During this time, the Antichrist and False Prophet enforce global worship of the beast and introduce the mark of the beast, controlling who can buy or sell (Revelation 13). These chilling events connect to The Most Terrifying Chapter in the Bible

Armageddon: The Gathering for War

The sixth bowl dries up the Euphrates (16:12), clearing the way for kings of the East to gather for a final battle at Armageddon. This sets the stage for Christ’s return.

4. Christ’s Return: The King Appears 👑

At the climax of Revelation 19, heaven opens—and Jesus appears riding a white horse, crowned as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

His return isn’t gentle or hidden—it’s powerful, visible, and final.

“Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword…” (Revelation 19:15)

Christ defeats the beast and false prophet, casting them alive into the lake of fire. This moment of redemption and judgment is explained further in The Return of Christ: What Does the Bible Say About the Final Redemption?

5. The Millennium and Final Judgment ⛓️

Satan Bound for 1,000 Years

An angel binds Satan and casts him into the abyss for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1–3). During this time, Christ reigns in righteousness, and the saints share in His rule.

Final Rebellion and Judgment

After the millennium, Satan is briefly released. He deceives the nations once more—but is swiftly defeated and thrown into the lake of fire permanently.

All the dead then appear at the Great White Throne (20:11–15). Those not written in the Book of Life are judged and cast into the lake of fire. This marks the end of evil forever.

6. New Heaven and New Earth 🌟

Then comes the most glorious vision:

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth…” (Revelation 21:1)

The New Jerusalem descends from heaven. God Himself dwells with His people. There will be no more death, sorrow, or pain.

Eternity with God is physical, joyful, and perfect. To reflect on our eternal purpose in this new world, explore What Will We Do in Heaven for All Eternity?