April 07, 2021
‘ Be Prepared’ 04.07.21
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man comes. (Matthew 25:13)
Over the past several weeks we have considered the biblical promise that Jesus Christ is one day going to return to earth as Lord. This is routinely either ignored or scorned by the general public. But as proclaimed by our text, it is a reality, and the Lord Jesus commands us to “Watch.”
We must be prepared for His coming because it could occur at any moment. Christ will appear in the clouds, gather away all of those who know Him, and take them to heaven with Him.
This is known as the Rapture
There are three ways to describe this coming event.
First, it will be systematic. The order of events are presented clearly in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The Lord Jesus will descend from heaven with a shout—a shout of victory. Then will be heard the voice of an archangel, though what he says is not revealed. A trumpet then will sound. At this point, those who have put their trust in Christ but who have passed away, will rise from the dead, receiving their resurrected bodies. Joining them will be the living on earth who have placed their faith in Christ’s finished Calvary work. They will be caught up and receive their resurrected bodies. Will you be among them should Christ come today? The promise is given that all of these souls will forever be with the Lord!
Second, His coming will be sudden. We are told this in the verses that follow our previous text. But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. (2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. (3) For when they shall say, “Peace and safety;” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) Since no one knows the day or the hour of His coming, there is no way to prevent it. One can only prepare for it. It could come at morning, noon or night. We could be sleeping, eating, working or playing. We must be ready!
Third, His coming will be swift. Paul tells this to the church at Corinth. Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) 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 Co 15:51, 52) The ‘twinkling of an eye’ is certainly a vivid way to describe quick action. When the Rapture begins to transpire, it will unfold, one step after another in quick succession, over before one hardly knew that it began. Be prepared!
And how does one prepare for this great event? It is as simple as A-B-C.
Admit before a holy God that you are a sinner in need of a Savior; that you can do nothing to save yourself.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Place your faith in His ability to save you because He loves you and died in your place. He took your sin upon Himself, and He desires to give you His righteousness.
Confess these things to God. Call out to Him in faith. Bow your knee to Jesus as your only Savior and Lord.
Admit, believe, confess—this is how you can be prepared. Please take care of this today!