Answer

The Bible details numerous signs believed to precede the return of Jesus Christ. These signs can be broadly categorized into the following:

1. Signs in the Natural World:

• Earthquakes: Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, and Luke 21:11 speak of increased earthquake activity in various places. It is not just the existence of earthquakes but their frequency and intensity that are significant.
• Famines: Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, and Luke 21:11 also mention famines as a sign. These famines are linked to wars and natural disasters, creating widespread food shortages.
• Pestilences/Diseases: Luke 21:11 speaks of pestilences alongside famines and earthquakes. This includes the outbreak and spread of deadly diseases and plagues.
• Signs in the Heavens: Luke 21:11 and Matthew 24:29 speak of terrifying events and great signs from heaven, including disturbances in the sun, moon, and stars. Revelation 6:12-14 describes cosmic disturbances accompanying the opening of the sixth seal. These could be interpreted as literal astronomical events or symbolic representations of upheaval and chaos.
• Distress of Nations with perplexity: Luke 21:25 describes nations in anguish and bewilderment at the roaring and tossing of the sea (often interpreted metaphorically to represent societal unrest).

2. Social and Moral Decay:

• Increase in wickedness: Matthew 24:12 states that lawlessness will increase, and the love of many will grow cold. This includes a general decline in morality and ethical behavior.
• Moral Degeneration: 2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes a period of great moral decline, with people being lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.
• Scoffers: 2 Peter 3:3-4 warns that scoffers will come in the last days, ridiculing the idea of Christ’s return and questioning the promises of God.

3. Political and Geopolitical Signs:

• Wars and Rumors of Wars: Matthew 24:6-7, Mark 13:7, and Luke 21:9 speak of wars and rumors of wars. While wars have always existed, the intensity and global scale of conflict will escalate.
• Kingdom rising against kingdom: Matthew 24:7 and Mark 13:8 indicate that nations and ethnic groups will rise against each other.
• Rise of a Global Government/System: Revelation 13 describes a beast that rises out of the sea, representing a powerful political system that exerts control over the whole world. This is often interpreted as a precursor to the Antichrist’s rule.
• Increase in Travel and Knowledge: Daniel 12:4 states that in the end times, "many will go here and there to increase knowledge." This is often interpreted as referring to the rapid advancements in technology and travel that characterize the modern era.

4. Religious Signs:

• Great Apostasy: 2 Thessalonians 2:3 warns of a great apostasy, or falling away from the faith, before the return of Christ. This involves a widespread departure from sound doctrine and a turning away from biblical truth.
• False Christs and False Prophets: Matthew 24:5, 24, Mark 13:6, 22, and Luke 21:8 warn of many false christs and false prophets who will deceive many.
• Persecution of Believers: Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:9, and Luke 21:12 speak of believers being persecuted, hated, and killed for their faith in Christ.
• Revival and Gospel Preaching: Matthew 24:14 states that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. This suggests a global spread of the Christian message before the final events.
• The Restoration of Israel: The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 is seen by many as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy (Ezekiel 36-37, Isaiah 11:11-12). The ongoing conflicts and tensions surrounding Israel are also seen as significant.

5. Signs Related to the Temple in Jerusalem:

• Abomination that causes desolation: Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11, Matthew 24:15, and Mark 13:14 refer to an "abomination that causes desolation" being set up in the temple. This is often interpreted as a desecration of the temple by a hostile power. Some believe this refers to a future event involving the rebuilding of the Jewish temple.

It is important to note that interpretations of these signs vary among different Christian denominations and theological perspectives. Some view these signs as literal events, while others see them as symbolic representations of broader trends and spiritual realities. Furthermore, some believe these signs have already been partially fulfilled throughout history, while others believe they will be fully manifested in the end times.