Question: "What is the end times timeline?" Answer: Got Questions Ministries takes a pretribulational approach to eschatology. From that perspective, here is the order of end-times events that the Bible reveals: 1. The rapture of the church. Christ comes in the clouds to “snatch away” all those who trust in Him (1 Corinthians 15:52). At this same time, the “dead in Christ” will be resurrected and taken to heaven, too. From our perspective today, this is the next event in the eschatological timeline. The rapture is imminent; no other biblical prophecy needs to be fulfilled before the rapture happens. 2. The rise of the Antichrist. After the church is taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7–8), a satanically empowered man will gain worldwide control with promises of peace (Revelation 13:1; Daniel 9:27). He will be aided by another man, called the false prophet, who heads up a religious system that requires worship of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20). 3. The tribulation. A period of seven years in which God’s judgment is poured out on sinful humanity (Revelation 6–16). The Antichrist’s rise to power is associated with this time period. During the tribulation on earth, the Church will be in heaven. It is thought that at this time the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will occur in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 19:6–10). 4. The Battle of Gog and Magog. In the first part of the tribulation, a great army from the north, in alliance with several other countries from the Middle East and Africa, attacks Israel and is defeated by God’s supernatural intervention (Ezekiel 38–39). (Some commentators place this battle just before the start of the tribulation.) 5. The abomination of desolation. At the midway point of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and shows his true colors. The Jews are scattered, and many of them turn to the Lord, realizing that Jesus is their Savior. A great persecution breaks out against all those who believe in Christ (Daniel 12:11; Mark 13:14; Revelation 12:17). 6. The Battle of Armageddon. At the end of the tribulation, Jesus returns with the armies of heaven (Mark 14:62). He saves Jerusalem from annihilation and defeats the armies of the nations fighting under the banner of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:11–21). The Antichrist and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20). 7. The judgment of the nations. Christ will judge the survivors of the tribulation, separating the righteous from the wicked as “sheep” and “goats” (Matthew 25:31–46). (It is thought that at this time the Old Testament saints will be raised from the dead.) The righteous will enter the Millennial Kingdom; the wicked will be cast into hell. 8. The binding of Satan. Satan will be bound and held in a bottomless pit for the next 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–3). 9. The Millennial Kingdom. Jesus Himself will rule the world, and Jerusalem will be the capital. This will be a 1,000-year period of peace and prosperity on earth (Revelation 20; Isaiah 60–62). Memorial sacrifices will be offered in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40–48). 10. The last battle. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released from his prison for a short time. He will deceive the nations once again, and there will be a rebellion against the Lord that will be quickly defeated (Revelation 20:7–10). Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, never to reappear. 11. The Great White Throne Judgment. All those in hell will be brought forth, and all the wicked from all eras of history will be resurrected to stand before God in a final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15). The verdicts are read, and all of sinful humanity is cast into the lake of fire. 12. The new creation. God completely remakes the heavens and the earth. It is at this time that God wipes away all tears and there will be no more pain, death, or sorrow. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven, and the children of God will enjoy eternity with Him. (Revelation 21–22) https://gotquestions.org/ Recommended Resource: The End Times in Chronological Order: A Complete Overview to Understanding Bible Prophecy by Ron Rhodes
There are many Bible believing Christians that do not believe in the Rapture. I am honestly going to admit I don't know if there will be a Rapture or not. I lean towards there being one for I believe many of the Scriptures point towards this. But all that is important to me is that I am always ready for my Lord and Savior to come again. There are even many Christians who believe their will be a Rapture of those who belong to Jesus...but they don't agree on when it will happen. Some think it will happen before the Antichrist takes center stage (which is what I lean towards), others think it will be at other times before Christ returns.
The Bible tells us that only God, the Father knows the time of Christ's return, to take his bride (the church) home to heaven. Two will be working in the field, then there will be one left. Two will be lying in bed, then there will be one. It will happen in the "twinkling of an eye"! That quick. It is a picture of the Wedding customs of the day, when the Grooms party arrives and carries off his Bride. I believe it will happen before the tribulation. The Rapture will be an unprecedented event, world wide.
Biblical Scholars and Christians, etc. argue over whether there is or is not going to be a Rapture all the time @Joe Riley and different denominations teach different views on this subject too. Having read all the Scriptures for and against a Rapture (which you can pull up on the internet really fast) happening...I am more inclined to believe and hope there definitely will be one. Will it happen just before the Antichrist steps up and takes charge or will it happen right before the Antichrist breaks his 7 year peace treaty with Israel after 3 and a half years...or shall Christians go through the Tribulation but supernaturally be kept safe by our Lord? The answer to this question is a mystery that we will only know the answer to when it happens. What we do know for sure is the Bridegroom will be coming back for His Bride and He has told us to always be ready for this!