Are technological advances like artificial intelligence a sign of the end times?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The “end times" (as distinct from the "last days," which refers to Jesus first coming—see Hebrews 1:1-2) loosely refers to the period right before Jesus returns. While views vary on that period, Got Questions Ministry’s official position is that it refers to the final seven-year period of tribulation described in Daniel 9:24–27. Jesus said there would be many signs during these “last days,” but not all signs mean that the final “end times” period is about to begin (cf. Matthew 24:4–8). God has been moving history toward those final days, and everything that occurs during these “last days” contributes to that movement.

Some have noted that the Tribulation includes an image given the power to speak (Revelation 13:14–15), which can sound like an advanced form of AI. While it's plausible that this refers to some form of technological advancement, it could also simply be part of the power given to Satan and the beast (Revelation 13:13–14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God is bringing history towards a specific end. God declares “the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done” (Isaiah 46:10). Everything that is and will happen is what God has ordained.
• While theologians disagree on certain elements of the end times, it is clear that this period is specifically the great Tribulation. The simplest reading of Daniel 9:24–27 is that the period will be seven years, which corresponds to the time specified in Revelation (cf. Revelation 11:2–3; 12:6, 14; 13:5).
• At that time, “there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time” (Daniel 12:1). That description precludes our current day from being the end times. Therefore, any sign is, at best, an indicator that that period is coming closer. However, since God has ordained it from the beginning, that is true whether or not we see a clear sign of its arrival.
• The end times will be marked by a single world government (Daniel 7:23), echoing humanity’s rebellion against God in Genesis 11:1–9, where humanity gathered against God. Technical advancements could conceivably aid such global governance, but that does not make them a “sign” so much as the expected gathering of sinful hearts against God.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus’ arrival was really the beginning of the “last days” (Acts 2:16-17; Hebrews 1:1–2; 1 Peter 1:20). What Scripture means is that, after Jesus brought salvation, there was nothing else humanity needed to be saved. From that moment on, everyone was commanded to repent (Acts 17:30). The "last days" are distinct from the "end times."
• Now, we are waiting for Him to return. At His Second Coming, the opportunity to repent and be saved will end. The Great Tribulation encompasses the final seven years before He returns when the chance to be saved ends (Matthew 24:21).
• During that period, the world will face unprecedented judgment, unlike anything it has ever faced. Those living in those days will wish for death; it will be that bad (Revelation 9:6). Based on the New Testament descriptions, it is clear that we are not in those times now.
• Jesus noted that throughout the current “last days,” there will be many signs. However, not every sign means that the final Tribulation (the “end times”) is around the corner. For example, He said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains” (Matthew 24:6–8; cf. Luke 21:8–11; Mark 13:7).
• Some have noted that Revelation 13:15-17 depicts an image endowed with the power to speak: “[the other beast] was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.” To modern ears, this “image” could be an advanced form of AI, but similar connections have been made throughout human history. The end times will come—precisely when and how God has ordained them to, and there will be no mistaking it (Matthew 24:21-22).
• Satan and the Beast will be given some powers to perform signs (Revelation 13:13–14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10), and that means the “image” may or may not be powered by existing technology at all.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Have you ever panicked because of a "Dr." Google-diagnosed health problem, only to find out later that what you had is something much simpler and less serious? Have you ever assumed you're on the outs with a friend because she didn't respond to your text, only to learn the next day that her phone battery had died? As flawed human beings, it's easy for us to lose perspective. This can happen in our thinking about end times. Maybe it's a leader we don't like whom we think is the antichrist or a new and ominous technology—like AI.

But rather than trying to identify a time that Jesus said none of us can know (Matthew 24:36), we should focus on what He told us we should do: be alert (Matthew 24:42). What that means is living faithfully in light of the judgment we know is coming (1 Thessalonians 5:2–6) and telling others about Christ before it is too late (Matthew 28:19-20). Use this time to let others know about who Jesus is and how to escape God's coming wrath. Whether Jesus comes as you're reading this sentence or a thousand years from now, each person's time on earth is limited. Today is the day to tell unbelievers how to be saved (James 4:14).

UNDERSTAND

• Artificial intelligence may or may not be part of the end times.
• Technological advances, including artificial intelligence, should be understood as developments within history and not necessarily as an indicator that the end times are imminent.
• God sovereignly directs history toward its appointed conclusion, independent of human innovation or technological progress.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that artificial intelligence may or may not be part of the end-times affect your sense of fear or speculation about the future?
• How might focusing too heavily on technological developments distract you from faithfulness in the present “last days”?
• How does trust in God impact how you respond to rapid cultural and technological change?

ENGAGE

• What are the "signs" of the end times according to Scripture?
• What dangers arise when Christians treat cultural or technological advancements as prophetic countdown markers?
• How should believers think about innovation and technology in light of God’s sovereignty, human sin, and future judgment?