As a reader Josh McDowell is a person favorite. Here I summarized some of his comments on the end times.
When it comes to the end times, many voices focus on charts, timelines, and predictions, and this could be very helpful however Josh McDowell takes a very different—and deeply biblical—approach. Rather than encouraging speculation, McDowell calls believers to live faithfully, grounded in truth, and focused on the mission Christ has already given us.
No Date-Setting, No Guessing
Josh McDowell is clear: the Bible does not give believers permission to predict when Jesus will return. Jesus Himself said that no one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). Because of this, McDowell warns against obsession with end-times timelines that can distract Christians from their true calling.
The question is not when Christ will return—but how we are living until He does.
Always Be Ready
McDowell teaches that Jesus’ return is certain, but the timing is unknown. This reality should not produce fear or confusion. Instead, it should inspire believers to live in a constant posture of spiritual readiness—walking in obedience, staying rooted in Scripture, and maintaining a genuine relationship with Christ.
Readiness is not about anxiety; it is about faithfulness.
Truth Over Speculation
As a respected Christian apologist, Josh McDowell places a strong emphasis on biblical truth. He encourages believers to test every teaching against Scripture and to avoid fear-driven or conspiracy-based end-times theories.
According to McDowell, when Christians move away from God’s Word and toward speculation, confusion replaces clarity. God’s truth brings peace, not panic.
The Gospel Remains the Priority
One of McDowell’s strongest points is that the mission of the Church never changes—no matter how close we believe we are to the end. Jesus’ command to make disciples still stands.
Instead of retreating or becoming distracted by end-times debates, McDowell urges Christians to:
Share the gospel Defend the truth Love people well
The Great Commission is still the Great Commission.
Hope, Not Fear
Josh McDowell consistently reminds believers that the return of Christ is a message of hope. For followers of Jesus, the end times do not signal defeat—they signal victory. Fear-based teaching misrepresents the heart of God and distracts from the assurance believers have in Christ.
The end times are not meant to terrify the Church, but to encourage it.
Josh McDowell’s view of the end times can be summed up plainly:
Jesus is coming back No one knows when Until then, live faithfully, walk in truth, and proclaim the gospel
Rather than chasing predictions, McDowell calls Christians to chase Christ.
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