The Left Behind series culminates in the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ, marking the end of the Great Tribulation and the definitive defeat of the Antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia, and his Global Community forces. This dramatic conclusion sets the stage for Jesus's thousand-year reign on Earth, often referred to as the Millennial Kingdom.
The Climax of the Tribulation
As the seven-year Tribulation period draws to a close, the world is plunged into its final, most devastating conflicts. The Antichrist's global empire, known as the Global Community, mobilizes its remaining forces in a desperate last stand against the returning Messiah and His armies.
The Glorious Appearing
The series reaches its epic climax when Jesus Christ descends from heaven, accompanied by His saints. This event, known as the Glorious Appearing, signifies the end of God's judgment and the beginning of a new era.
- Final Confrontation: In a final, desperate act, Nicolae Carpathia and his right-hand man, Leon Fortunato, lead their remaining forces, including remnants of the Global Community's military, toward Jerusalem. Their objective is to destroy Jesus and His heavenly army, alongside the Jewish rebels who have survived the tribulation.
- The Mount of Olives Event: The ultimate showdown occurs at the Mount of Olives. As Jesus steps foot on the mountain, it dramatically splits into a vast valley, running from east to west. This cataclysmic event causes the last remaining forces of the Global Community to fall, utterly vanquished.
- Defeat of the Antichrist: Nicolae Carpathia and Leon Fortunato are captured and subsequently cast into the Lake of Fire, marking the end of their tyranny. All who opposed Christ are destroyed, and the Earth is cleansed of evil.
The Millennial Kingdom
Following the decisive victory at the Glorious Appearing, Jesus Christ establishes His righteous rule on Earth, ushering in the Millennial Kingdom.
- New Earth Order: During this thousand-year period, peace prevails, and justice is absolute. Jesus rules from Jerusalem, and the Earth experiences a golden age of spiritual and physical restoration.
- Role of the Saints: Believers who survived the Tribulation and those who returned with Christ live and reign alongside Him, fulfilling prophecies of a just and holy world.
- Final Judgment and Eternity: At the end of the millennium, a final rebellion occurs, which is swiftly crushed. Subsequently, a Great White Throne Judgment takes place, where all the dead are judged. Finally, a new heaven and a new Earth are created, ushering in an eternal state of perfection and communion with God.
The Left Behind series concludes with this vision of Christ's ultimate triumph and the promise of eternal peace for His followers.
