Every single minute, we draw closer to that day when God will come to dwell among us and make all things new. (Revelation 21:3, 5)
Every single hour, we draw closer to a time when all sorrow, tears and pain will pass away. (Revelation 21:4)
Every single day, we draw closer to Jesus’ second coming.
But the question is are you ready for the day Jesus returns?
Are You Ready?
How do you feel when you think about Jesus coming again?
Does the thought fill you with excitement and anticipation?
Or does it fill you with fear and dread?
Your answer to these questions is a good indicator of whether or not you are ready for the return of our Lord and Saviour.
The ready person is the one who is not burdened by condemnation, guilt, shame or fear. (Romans 8:1) This person is at peace, resting fully in the finished works of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are the one who knows that their righteousness comes from Jesus alone (2 Corinthians 5:21) and that they have been saved by His grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The ready person is the one who is not clinging on to the things of this world, in whatever form they take. Their eyes are fixed on things above, eagerly waiting for the day Jesus returns. (Colossians 3:1-4)
Or Not?
The person who is not ready is the one who is still living in sin, practicing wickedness, believing that God will not require an account of their actions. (Psalm 10:13) They are the person who is still fixated on the things of the world, with no thought of what will come after. (Philippians 3: 18-19)
The person who is not ready is also the one who thinks that they have to do something to earn their way into heaven, rather than resting in what Jesus has done. (Galatians 3:2-3)
Which of these people do you identify with?
If it’s the second person, the one who is not ready, it’s not too late to change that. Right now, you can make a decision that will make you one step closer to being ready for when Jesus comes back.
Step 1: Repent
Right now, you can decide to stop trying to work your way into heaven and trusting in your own righteousness. You can decide to turn away from your wickedness and turn to Christ.
In this very moment, you can make the decision to repent.
This means being sorry for your sins, leaving behind your old ways and genuinely desiring to live a changed life. It is so important that you come to this place of repentance, for it is only the repentant soul that will be ready to receive.
Step 2: Receive
What are you receiving now?
Salvation.
You can be saved by believing in your heart that Jesus died for your sins and was raised from the dead and confessing with your mouth that He is your Lord and Saviour. (Romans 10:9-10)
When you receive salvation you must understand that your self-effort ceases. Now you are no longer trusting in your own righteousness to save you but you are resting in Jesus righteousness, knowing that it already has.
Step 3: Renew
Once you have done this, you can now begin your journey of renewal. (Romans 12:2)
As you seek God through prayer, read and meditate on the Bible and then act on what you learn, you will be transformed daily and become more like Christ.
And that’s where it ends.
Um… actually, not quite.
You Must Stay Focused
The Word of God tells us that Jesus will return at a time we least expect. (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
You could be driving on your way to work when He appears. Or you could be at home washing the dishes. You could be in the middle of a conference or you might be in your bedroom.
Night, noon or morning, it could be any time and you could be in any place.
But regardless of what you are doing, you will still need to be ready to leave everything behind when He comes for His people.
This means that whether you are the person who feels ready for Jesus return or you’re the person who is just starting to get ready, you have to stay focused.
Stay focused on God, keep your gaze fixed on those things above, the heavenly eternal things remembering that all things in this life are temporary. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Maintain your position in Jesus Christ, hold on to your confession of faith and run your race diligently by the help of God’s Holy Spirit. (Hebrews 12:1)
And all the while, as you go about your daily life, as you go to work, watch over your children, meet with your colleagues and talk with your friends, do not forget that the end draws near. Remember, that Jesus is coming soon.
Soon and very soon.
So you must be ready.
