Scripture tells us in Matthew 24:22
"And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened."
HERE IS PROOF WE ARE LIVING IN “THOSE DAYS”
Bible Study: Matthew 24:22 — Are We Living in Those Days?
Matthew 24:22
"And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened."
This verse is one of the most sobering prophecies Yeshua ever gave. It points to a time in history when mankind will possess the ability to destroy all human life. Yet it is also a message of tremendous hope: Yahweh will intervene before mankind destroys itself.
This study on Matthew 24:22 follows the prophetic framework laid out in the Bible.
Part 1 – The Setting of Matthew 24
Matthew 24 is commonly called the Olivet Prophecy.
The disciples asked three questions:
"Tell us, when shall these things be? What shall be the sign of Your coming? And of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3)
Everything Yeshua says afterward answers those questions.
He describes:
- Religious deception
- Wars
- Famines
- Pestilence
- Earthquakes
- Persecution
- The Great Tribulation
- Heavenly signs
- His return
- Gathering His elect
It is all one continuous prophecy.
Part 2 – Why Matthew 24:22 Could Not Have Been Fulfilled Earlier
Notice what Yeshua says.
"No flesh would be saved."
The Greek word translated flesh simply means humanity.
Yeshua describes a time when all mankind could perish.
For nearly all of history, this was impossible.
Ancient nations fought with:
- swords
- bows
- spears
- catapults
Even the largest empires could never destroy every human being.
Only within the last century has humanity developed:
- nuclear weapons
- hydrogen bombs
- biological weapons
- chemical weapons
- intercontinental missiles
- cyber capabilities affecting critical infrastructure
These developments make global-scale destruction conceivable in a way it was not in earlier eras. Matthew 24:22 is especially relevant to the modern age.
Part 3 – Why We Know We Are Living In That Time
Yeshua gave many signs—not just one.
1. Worldwide increase in deception
Matthew 24:4-5
False religion is everywhere.
Even many who use the name of Messiah teach traditions instead of Scripture.
2. Wars and rumors of wars
Matthew 24:6-7
Today we see:
- conflicts on multiple continents
- nuclear threats
- terrorism
- unprecedented military technology
Never before has mankind possessed weapons capable of ending civilization.
3. Famines
Food shortages continue in many regions.
Climate events, wars, and economic instability contribute to ongoing concerns.
4. Pestilences
The recent global plandemic reminded us how easily populations can be deceived and controlled. And how quickly man made bioweapons can be deployed.
5. Earthquakes
Yeshua called these "the beginning of sorrows."
6. Lawlessness
Matthew 24:12
We see increasing violence, moral confusion, and disregard for God's commandments in many societies.
7. The Gospel of the Kingdom
Matthew 24:14
"This gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world..."
Through television, satellite, radio and the Internet, the message of Scripture now reaches places unimaginable in previous generations.
Part 4 – What Happens Next?
According to the sequence in Matthew 24:
1. The Great Tribulation
Matthew 24:21
The worst time in human history.
Nothing before or after compares.
2. Matthew 24:22
Yahweh intervenes.
If He did not...
human civilization would end.
Instead...
He shortens those days.
Why?
For the elect's sake.
3. Heavenly Signs
Matthew 24:29
Immediately after the tribulation:
- the sun darkens
- the moon stops giving light
- stars appear to fall
- heaven is shaken
These dramatic signs announce that human rule is ending and divine intervention is near.
4. The Return of Yeshua
Matthew 24:30
The sign of the Son of Man appears.
Every eye sees Him.
The nations mourn.
5. Resurrection of the Saints
Matthew 24:31
Yeshua sends His angels.
They gather His elect from around the world.
Paul describes this same event in:
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
- 1 Corinthians 15:51–52
Those asleep in Messiah are raised.
The faithful who are alive are transformed.
6. The Kingdom Begins
Revelation 20
Yeshua reigns.
The saints reign with Him for one thousand years.
Part 5 – Why Does Yahweh Shorten Those Days?
The answer is simple.
Because of mercy.
Yahweh has no pleasure in the destruction of mankind.
He allows human governments to reach the end of their own ways, but He intervenes before humanity destroys itself.
His purpose is not merely to stop destruction—it is to establish His Kingdom.
Part 6 – Who Are "The Elect"?
Scripture describes the elect as those whom Yahweh has called who remain faithful to Him.
Characteristics include:
- They obey Yahweh.
- They follow Yeshua.
- They endure to the end.
- They refuse deception.
- They remain faithful despite persecution.
Matthew 24 emphasizes endurance:
"He who endures to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13)
Part 7 – How Should We Live?
Yeshua did not give prophecy to satisfy curiosity.
He gave it so we would prepare spiritually.
Stay Watchful
Matthew 24:42
Remain spiritually awake.
Do Not Fear
Although the world grows darker, Yahweh remains sovereign.
Matthew 24:22 is ultimately a promise that evil will not have the last word.
Remain Faithful
Continue in:
- prayer
- obedience
- repentance
- studying Scripture
- loving one another
Keep Looking to the Kingdom
Our hope is not in politics, military strength, or human leaders.
Our hope is in the return of Yeshua and the establishment of Yahweh's Kingdom.
Key Scriptures for Further Study
- Matthew 24
- Mark 13
- Luke 21
- Daniel 12
- Joel 2
- Zechariah 14
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
- 1 Corinthians 15:50–58
- Revelation 6
- Revelation 7
- Revelation 11
- Revelation 19
- Revelation 20
Conclusion
Matthew 24:22 points to a future crisis so severe that, without Yahweh's intervention, humanity would face extinction. We see today's combination of global military capability, technological reach, and the other signs Yeshua described that we are living close to that period. At the same time, Scripture does not give a date, but faithful Christians will be ready.
The central message of the passage is not to predict an exact timetable, but to remain watchful, faithful, and hopeful. The same chapter that warns of unparalleled tribulation also promises that Yahweh will intervene, Yeshua will return, the faithful will be gathered, and His Kingdom will be established.
