Over the centuries, and even more so in recent times, Christians have been expecting the return of Christ. From the Gospels and the books of Daniel, Isaiah, Revelation, and others, we can get an idea of what to look for in the latter days. For example:
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:21)
“And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:27)
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” (Revelation 20:13)
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)
Most Christians agree that these things will take place in the latter days, but exaclly how, when, and in what order has been the object of much speculation and discussion. One way to think about them is to see them appearing as an integrated whole, dawning in the heart of each individual, as well as for society collectively.
For example, the resurrection and judgement are interrelated, as the dead are raised and each man is judged when Christ returns. Naturally, this is a time of great tribulation for those who have turned their backs on God and reject Jesus, while at the same time it is a period of rapture for those who accept and embrace Him. As we accept or reject we reap the consequences, individually and collectively. We can think of this period of time as the Day of God, a day which can last a thousand years.