With all that said, I do think the end is nigh, but when we read about the seals that Jesus Christ opens and the plagues and judgements that cover the earth, those are 100% literal just as the plagues in Egypt were literal. Once we are there, there will be no doubt in anyone's mind that the judgement of God is here in full force. So much so that scripture shows us that even those who don't side with God end up shaking their fists to the Heavens and cursing God because of the despair and scorching heat and plagues that cover the earth, and yet they still won't turn to God. Basically there will be no atheists in the Great Tribulation, everyone picks a side.