How do we prepare for the return of Christ?
Our salvation is getting ever closer no matter when it happens, whether we witness Christ’s second coming while we’re alive or not. Live life like we are going to see it happen, because if we die (rest) before Christ returns, then our next waking moment will be once Christ has come again as prophesied in Daniel 12:1-2. We want to wake up to everlasting life rather than everlasting shame and contempt. Let us live righteously now so that we may enter into that eternal love and peace that is promised to us through Jesus Christ. If we do not prepare, then we risk missing out on that promise.
There are some people who prepare in the physical sense for the apocalypse such as “doomsdayers”. They might hoard food, water, clothing, ammunition, weapons, money, valuable metals, and other things for survival. But there is not a scriptural basis for this approach. While it is wise to be stewardly with essential items necessary to survive, our focus is on spiritual strength in preparation for Christ’s return. What is in your spiritual storehouse?
The return of Christ will affect everyone because they will observe the geopolitical events and wars that will occur in a specific region on the earth. With a spiritual warfare, God gives us all the armour we need through Jesus Christ and if our armour is missing, then how can we go to war spiritually if there is no protection? That is why it is so important to prepare ourselves with the whole armor of God.
The Bible provides us with informational clues to be aware of as that day approaches. Do we know exactly when Christ’s second coming will happen? We do not, but for anyone waiting for that day, one of the most important things a person can do is prepare themselves by trying to live a life in accordance with the true teachings recorded in the Bible. Whether Christ’s coming occurs in our lifetime or not, each day is one day closer and more urgent to learn about that approaching day. None of us knows how much time we have left in our lives to prepare ourselves, so active awareness of the prophetic facts in the Bible is of great importance.
Who should prepare?
- Anyone and everyone.
When do I prepare?
- Starting right now!
- Practice each day on living a righteous life according to scriptures.
- Set aside times each day.
Why should I prepare?
- To enter into eternal life.
- To help my family.
- To help others.
- To lead by example.
How can I prepare?
- Read the Bible.
- Listen to what Christ, the Apostles, and prophets wrote.
- Get together with people who promote positive, spiritual influence.
- Behave with love and kindness towards others.
- Be at peace with yourself and others.
Recognize and be Prepared for Christ
Ephesians 6:10-20
Our real protection is the whole armor of God, made available to us by faith in Jesus Christ. Satan and any other distractions may come our way to try and prevent us from living righteously, but we have faith to help us endure now and in the future “evil day”. When we take on the armour then we are not vulnerable to Satan’s lies and fiery darts.
Ephesians 4:10-32
How the righteousness of the church of God functions in unification. It is vanity to think that one can bear arms and physically fight their way into the new kingdom. The doomsday approach will not work to obtain eternal life. We have been given a greater force to fight against evil by the power of the spirit from God, through Jesus Christ. These scriptures spiritually guide Christians on how to live each day in preparation for Jesus Christ’s return.
Philippians 4:5-7, 13
The Lord is at hand, which means to be ready for his coming. It is possible to overcome all things through Jesus Christ.
Acts 17:10-11
The Bereans searched the scriptures daily to prove scriptural accuracy based on what they were taught by Paul and Silas. Searching the scriptures was simply reading and proving what they had heard was accurate.
Matthew 24:48-51
Part of our preparation is always serving God and His Son, and to not be lazy, procrastinate, or be indifferent to the importance of serving Jesus Christ daily.
Matthew 25:1-13
This is a story that Christ told to teach us about the importance of being prepared for his return. He is the bridegroom and we want to prepare to meet him like the five wise virgins. Watching can be many things, and especially knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of how to be a Christian and live with love in service to God and our fellow mankind.
John 1:41-46
At the time of Messiah’s (Christ’s) first coming when he became flesh and lived on the earth, there were individuals who were watching and preparing themselves for that event to happen. An example of this can be found in the first chapter of the Bible book of John: Verse 41 says, “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ).” In verse 45, Philip said to Nathanael, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets wrote–Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Just as these Israelites watched, we too watch for his return.
Romans 13:11-14
The time is now to align behaviors with righteousness. And no longer engage with unrighteous acts that can also distract us from watching for Christ’s return. When we only do the things we want to do then we lose focus on the return of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13-17
Bad things happen today in this world. Where do we see them? Everywhere. Example: wealth and greed at Wall Street. There is a desire to own things, it never stops. What about the internet? It may be a powerful tool for research and knowledge, but it can equally be used for harm and evil. Politicians and religious leaders are another example of distrust. Nothing is restrained from humans’ imagination in present time.
Matthew 24:37-39
Jesus Christ teaches his disciples how humans will behave before he returns. (Genesis 6:5-7) If we carry on with our daily lives without regard for the future, then we will be surprised about Christ’s return.
2 Peter 3:1-14
Peter makes a powerful statement in his letter here and tells us to remember what we have been taught, motivating and inspiring us. There are certain events that happen in the days leading up to the end times. Every generation of followers have prepared for his second coming through refinement and practice of righteous behaviors to be without spot and blameless when he returns.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-9
If we are not watching then will be in trouble. Instead, those who are awake and watching have put on the whole armor of God and have not become comfortable and satisfied with this present life. We have to be awake to put on the armor. If we are asleep, then we have not put on our armor to be able to withstand this present life and enter into eternal life through Christ’s salvation as promised from His Father. We want to be prepared! If someone asks you “what are we preparing for?” A simple answer could be, “To love Christ’s Father and to love our neighbors as ourselves and to understand prophecies about the future.” We have to live every single day as if Christ is going to return. Scripture states that the day when Christ returns, will be unexpected.
Additional refernces for further research:
- Luke 21:7-36
- Mark 13:1-37
- Matthew 24:36-51
- Jude 1:17-21
- Revelation 1:1-7
- 1 John 2:15-18
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