It's happening! What will people be like during the last 7 years of the book of Revelation?

Introduction: A Warning for the Last Days

What would the world look like if the final seven years of Revelation began today? Have you ever wondered how people will act during the most intense period of tribulation described in the Bible? As we approach the end times, the book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of a world in chaos, filled with hardened hearts, deception, and widespread rebellion against God.

In today’s video, we’ll explore what the Bible says about the behavior, mindset, and spiritual state of people during the last seven years before Christ's return. Will people turn to God in desperation, or will they reject Him even more? What can we learn from the prophetic warnings of Revelation to prepare ourselves for these challenging times?

Now, let’s take a journey into the last days, as revealed in the book of Revelation, and see what the Bible says about how people will respond during the final seven years of tribulation.

The Seven Trumpet Judgments: A Glimpse into the Future

According to Revelation 8 and 9, seven trumpet judgments will unfold during the Tribulation period, each bringing devastating consequences to the Earth and its inhabitants. It’s shocking not only because of the sheer destruction these judgments unleash but also because of how humanity reacts in the aftermath. Despite witnessing unimaginable events, many will remain unrepentant.

Let’s walk through the seven trumpet judgments described in Revelation 8 and 9, each bringing escalating devastation to the Earth.

The First Trumpet sounds, and hail mixed with fire and blood rains down upon the Earth. One-third of the world’s trees are scorched, and all green grass is burned up. The lush landscapes we know will be destroyed, and life will never be the same. This is only the beginning of the Earth’s unraveling.

Next, the Second Trumpet signals an even more destructive event: a massive, burning mountain is hurled into the sea. One-third of the oceans turn to blood, killing one-third of all marine life and sinking one-third of the ships. The sea, a source of life and sustenance, becomes a place of death and ruin.

Then, at the sound of the Third Trumpet, a great star falls from the sky. This star, called Wormwood, poisons one-third of the rivers and springs, making the waters bitter and undrinkable. Many people die from consuming this contaminated water, further escalating the global crisis.

The Fourth Trumpet brings darkness. One-third of the Sun, Moon, and stars are struck, leaving the Earth in partial darkness. The cycle of day and night is thrown into chaos, plunging the world into a haunting and eerie gloom, signaling that nature itself is breaking apart.

But the most terrifying events are yet to come. With the Fifth Trumpet, also known as the First Woe, a bottomless pit is opened, releasing demonic locusts upon the Earth. These creatures are unlike anything seen before, with the power to torment those who do not bear the seal of God. For five agonizing months, their victims will endure unbearable pain, longing for death but finding no escape.

The Sixth Trumpet—the Second Woe—ushers in further devastation. Four demonic angels are unleashed, leading an army of 200 million horsemen. This vast and terrifying army spreads across the globe, killing one-third of humanity. The scale of destruction is unprecedented, as death sweeps across every corner of the world.

Finally, the Seventh Trumpet, the Third Woe, announces the coming of God’s kingdom and the ultimate judgment. Revelation 11:19 describes this climactic moment with flashes of lightning, thunder, an earthquake, and a severe hailstorm. The wrath of God is fully revealed as the final stage of judgment prepares to unfold.

And yet, despite the overwhelming evidence of God's power and the clear signs of judgment, humanity’s response is shocking. Instead of turning to God in repentance, many will harden their hearts further. Revelation 9:20-21 reveals that, even after witnessing these supernatural plagues, people will continue to worship idols—false gods made of gold, silver, bronze, and stone. They will persist in their murders, sorcery, immorality, and thefts, refusing to change their ways.

This stubborn rebellion highlights a deeper spiritual truth: the hardness of the human heart, when fully given over to sin, can become so entrenched that even the most extreme divine intervention will not lead to repentance. This refusal to repent in the face of judgment serves as a sobering reminder of the depths to which humanity can fall and raises a critical question—how will we respond when confronted with God’s truth? Will we harden our hearts, or will we seek repentance and turn toward Him?

Unrepentant Hearts in the Face of Judgment 

In Revelation 9:20-21, we are told something deeply troubling: “The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

Pause and think about that. After witnessing supernatural plagues, suffering immense torment, and seeing one-third of the population wiped out, the survivors still refuse to repent. They cling to their idols, continue in their sins, and reject the chance for salvation. How cold, how hardened must their hearts be to endure such judgment and yet turn a blind eye to the truth?

It is terrifying to consider, but this is the reality of the last days. People will become so entrenched in their sinful ways that not even the direct intervention of God will move them to repentance. This highlights a central truth: Sin can so deeply enslave the human heart that even the clearest signs of God’s power and judgment may be rejected.

Falling Away from the Faith: A Warning for Today

This scene from Revelation should serve as a wake-up call to every believer. We must not assume that such hardness of heart is exclusive to the future. Even today, we are seeing signs of apostasy—people turning away from the faith, refusing to repent, and embracing the lies of the enemy. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 warns us that before the coming of the Lord, a great rebellion—a falling away—will occur. This falling away, or apostasy, will be marked by people who once professed faith in Christ but later reject Him.

Let’s take a look at a few key examples from Scripture of individuals who began their spiritual journey strong but ultimately fell away from God.

Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples, chosen to walk closely with Jesus. He had a unique vantage point, witnessing countless miracles, healings, and the power of God firsthand. Despite experiencing the fullness of Jesus' ministry, Judas eventually turned away, choosing to betray Christ for thirty pieces of silver. Tragically, his heart grew hard, and Luke 22:3 tells us that Satan entered him, leading him down the path of betrayal.

Similarly, King Saul started his journey with great promise. He was anointed by God to be the first king of Israel, given authority and favor to lead the nation. However, over time, Saul allowed pride and disobedience to take root in his heart. Rather than remaining humble and faithful, he distanced himself from God’s commands. 1 Samuel 16:14 reveals that, as a result, the Spirit of God departed from Saul, and he was left tormented by an evil spirit. What began as a journey of divine favor ended in spiritual ruin.

Another sobering example is Demas, who once served faithfully alongside the Apostle Paul in spreading the Gospel. In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul sorrowfully writes that Demas "loved this present world" and deserted him. The lure of worldly pleasures and success drew Demas away from his commitment to Christ. His love for the temporary comforts of this world ultimately eclipsed his love for the eternal hope found in Jesus.

These stories serve as powerful warnings. Even those who begin their spiritual walk strong, witnessing God’s power firsthand, are not immune to falling away. The pull of pride, disobedience, and worldly desires can lead even the most devoted away from the path of righteousness. Their examples challenge us to remain vigilant, faithful, and deeply rooted in Christ, lest we too fall into spiritual decline.

Four Ways Apostasy Creeps In

To understand how people can fall away from God, let’s explore four specific ways in which this can happen, each contributing to a gradual or sudden departure from faith.

First, Gradual Drifting Away. Apostasy rarely occurs overnight; it often happens subtly, like a ship without an anchor that slowly drifts off course. Without realizing it, a believer can begin to neglect prayer, avoid God’s Word, and replace godly relationships with worldly influences. Over time, this slow drift can lead to a weakening of faith. Hebrews 2:1 warns us, “We must pay the most careful attention... so that we do not drift away.”

Consider someone who once eagerly attended church, read their Bible daily, and prayed regularly. As the busyness of life takes over or distractions pull them away, their once-strong passion for God fades. What starts as a small step away from spiritual disciplines can lead to a complete spiritual decline if left unchecked. Like a boat slowly drifting from the shore, the believer may find themselves far from where they once were.

Second, there’s The Allure of False Teachings. Many are led astray by teachings that cater to their desires rather than God’s truth. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns of a time when people will seek out teachers who tell them what they want to hear, rather than sound doctrine. In today’s world, there is no shortage of “spiritual” voices offering half-truths, feel-good messages, or teachings that avoid the hard truths of repentance and righteousness.

False teachings often seem appealing because they offer shortcuts or excuses to justify sinful behavior. But just because something sounds good doesn’t mean it’s from God. We are called to test every teaching against the Word of God, ensuring that it aligns with biblical truth rather than personal desires or cultural trends.

Third, The Erosion of Convictions. Apostasy can also take hold when a believer’s convictions are worn down by peer pressure, societal norms, or the desire to fit in. Just as a fortress’s walls can crumble under the constant assault of wind and rain, our spiritual defenses can weaken if we begin to compromise on our values. Galatians 5:7 cautions, “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?”

It often starts with small compromises—justifying behaviors we know are wrong, embracing worldly values, or avoiding difficult truths. Over time, these small concessions accumulate, leading to a slow but steady departure from faith. What begins as a subtle adjustment can eventually dismantle one’s commitment to God’s truth. 

Lastly, there is Neglecting Spiritual Armor. Ephesians 6:10-11 instructs believers to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand firm against the devil’s schemes. Neglecting this spiritual armor leaves us vulnerable to attacks. A Christian who becomes lax in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers is like a soldier on the battlefield without armor—an easy target for the enemy.

Spiritual warfare is real, and the devil is always searching for opportunities to attack. If we fail to maintain our relationship with God, guard our hearts, and actively engage in spiritual disciplines, we open ourselves to deception and spiritual defeat.

In summary, falling away from God is not always an immediate, obvious event. It often begins with a slow drift, the lure of false teachings, the erosion of convictions, or neglecting our spiritual defenses. Each of these paths highlights the importance of staying rooted in God’s Word, maintaining a close relationship with Him, and being vigilant in our walk of faith.

The Blessed Hope: Encouragement for Believers

While the Bible gives us a serious look at the end times, there is incredible hope for those who stay faithful. Yes, the descriptions of tribulation, persecution, and the rise of evil can seem overwhelming, but we are not left alone or without comfort. Acts 2:17 promises that "in the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people." This means that even in the darkest times, God’s Spirit will be more present, powerful, and active than ever, giving believers the strength to endure and stay strong in their faith.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not just a future hope—it’s something we can experience right now. As believers, we already have access to the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength to face tough situations, the wisdom to see through lies, and the courage to stand firm when evil rises. When chaos or fear seems to surround us, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us through. The Spirit helps us live righteously, even as the world around us rebels against God, and gives us peace beyond understanding, even when everything feels like it's falling apart.

In these last days, the Spirit of God will also empower us to boldly share the Gospel. Joel 2:28 repeats this promise that God will pour out His Spirit, and people will prophesy, see visions, and dream dreams—clear signs of God working among us. This isn’t just to help us survive, but to carry out our mission. As the world grows darker, the Holy Spirit will help the Church shine brighter, offering hope, truth, and salvation to those who are still searching for light in the midst of darkness.

Holding Fast to the Faith

As we draw closer to the second coming of Christ, we must be on guard against the deceptions of the enemy. The Apostle Paul warns in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 that a great apostasy—a falling away from the faith—will precede the return of the Lord. This rebellion against God will affect even those who once claimed to follow Christ. Some will fall away due to deception, while others will willingly turn their backs on the faith.

But you don’t have to be part of this group. Pray for discernment, pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you, and remain grounded in the truth of the Gospel. Hold fast to the fundamental principles of our faith, and do not be swayed by the lies of this world.

John 14:6 reminds us that Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life.” There is no other way to the Father except through Him. Any teaching or doctrine that suggests otherwise is a lie. Stay rooted in the truth. The message of John the Baptist, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near”, is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Holiness and righteousness cannot be mixed with sin and darkness.

Conclusion: Stand Firm in Christ 

In conclusion, the Bible makes it clear that in the last days, many will fall away, deceived by the lies of the enemy. But we are called to stand firm, to hold fast to the Gospel, and to walk in the light of Christ. As 2 Thessalonians 2:14-17 reminds us: “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you… May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father… encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

Don’t be part of the great falling away. Stay strong in your faith. Pray for discernment, guard your heart, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. As we wait for the blessed hope—the return of our Lord—may we remain faithful, living lives that glorify God in every way.

Amen.