The Apostle Paul warned that the last days would bring a marked increase in false teaching. "In the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Timothy 4:1). The last days are described as "perilous times" because of the increasingly evil character of man and people who actively "resist the truth" (2 Timothy 3:1-9; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:3) Other possible signs would include a rebuilding of a Jewish temple in Jerusalem, increased hostility towards Israel, and advances toward a one-world government. The most prominent sign of the end times, however, is the nation of Israel. In 1948, Israel was recognized as a sovereign state for the first time since 70 A.D. God promised Abraham that his posterity would have Canaan as "an everlasting possession" (Genesis 17:8), and Ezekiel prophesied a physical and spiritual resuscitation of Israel (Ezekiel 37). Having Israel as a nation in its own land...

We should not, however, interpret any of these singular events as a clear indication of the soon arrival of the end times. God has given us enough information that we can be prepared, but not enough information that we can become arrogant. (Kermode)
Bibliography

The Holy Bible. Holeman Bible Publishers. Nashville.

Benware, Paul N. Understanding End Times Prophecy. Moody Publishers 1995.

Cline, Austin. Apocalypse: What is the Apocalypse? Does the Bible Predict an Apocalyptic End? Retrieved July 18, 2006 at http://atheism.about.com/od/bibledictionaryonline/p/apocalypse.htm.

Kermode, Frank. The Sense of an Ending: Studies in the Theory of Fiction. London:…