Preludes

Two elements stand above all other prophecies as the recognizable signal, or herald, that the end time has come.

Remember, that the "End Times" does not mean the end of the world.  It means the end of the rule of man and the beginning of the rule of God on Earth.

The Tribulation, the 7 years preceding the coming of Messiah, Jesus, are intended to purify the earth - purging it from pollution and abuse - preparing it for the setting up of Messiah's 1000 year long kingdom reign on this earth.

It is after the 1000 year reign of Messiah that the Great White Throne Judgement and the New Heavens and New Earth come.

PRELUDES:

This one may be difficult to point out.  Many apostasies mark Christian history.  This one will be much different - it will accompany an time of great distress where "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."  Matthew 24:12.  On the rise of this great apostasy, the "son of perdition (the third and final king) will be revealed. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)

A peace treaty has been presented, the Jerusalem Covenant.  It has never been ratified or supported.

There may be many "false starts" on the "Confirmed Covenant".  There may be many who will say the temple is ready to be built - dates may even be set for construction.  But until the building is well under way, 

The rising world leader will rally nations to ratify the Covenant, thus confirming the covenant for 7 years (one prophetic week Daniel 9:27)

Ratification will authorize security forces (troops) and financing for a period of 7 years as a kick-starter to guaranteed peace.

New Temple has no outer court - it is in some respects an incomplete temple.

New Temple is built on the Temple Mount in the vast empty lot across from the Islam Mosque.

The new Temple will continue undisturbed for 42 months (3.5 years) when the final king will discontinue the daily sacrifices (Daniel 9:27).

During the dedication of the Temple, the world leader will stand in the Holiest Place of the temple proclaim the success of global governance in building a new world order of peace.

After the dedication, only 1260 days remain to the coming of Messiah.  This is the only prophecy that gives a specific timeline to the return of Christ.