How Can I Be Prepared For Jesus Return?
Living in Readiness: How Can I Be Prepared For Jesus’ Return?
Few topics stir the heart of the believer like the promise of Jesus’ return. The Bible is clear: Christ will come again, not as the humble servant but as the reigning King. But how can we be prepared? Let’s explore practical, biblical steps for readiness, grounding our understanding in Scripture and the hope of the gospel.
The Certainty of Christ’s Return
The second coming of Jesus is a foundational Christian hope. Jesus Himself promised:
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. - John 14:3 ASV
The apostles reaffirmed this promise. At Jesus’ ascension, the angels declared:
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven. - Acts 1:11 ASV
Step One: Salvation by Grace Through Faith
The first and most essential preparation is to make sure you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. The Bible teaches we are not prepared by our own works, but by trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross:
For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV
Being ready for Christ’s return begins with being reconciled to God through Jesus. Have you confessed your need for Him and trusted in His saving grace?
Step Two: Living a Life of Holiness
Readiness isn’t a passive waiting but an active pursuit of holiness. The apostle Peter urges believers:
Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God. - 2 Peter 3:11-12 ASV
While we are saved by grace, the evidence of genuine faith is a transformed life, marked by obedience and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23 ASV).
Step Three: Watchfulness and Expectancy
Jesus repeatedly taught His followers to be watchful, because the exact time of His return is unknown:
Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh. - Matthew 24:42 ASV
This watchfulness is not anxious speculation, but a call to spiritual alertness and faithful service. It means living every day as if He could return at any moment.
Step Four: Faithful Stewardship
Readiness involves using our time, talents, and resources for God’s glory. Jesus’ parable of the talents teaches:
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. - Matthew 25:21 ASV
We are called to serve others, share the gospel, and invest in things of eternal value.
Step Five: Encouraging One Another
The hope of Christ’s return is not meant to isolate us, but to unite and encourage believers:
Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ASV
Gathering together, praying, and spurring each other on in faithfulness helps us to remain ready and steadfast.
Debated Questions: Signs and Timing
Some believers debate the specific timing and signs of Jesus’ return. While many passages discuss signs (see Matthew 24:3-44 ASV), Scripture emphasizes that no one knows the hour (Mark 13:32 ASV). The mainstream view is to avoid date-setting, instead focusing on always being spiritually prepared.
Conclusion: Living Ready
To be prepared for Jesus' return is to live each day with faith in Christ, a pursuit of holiness, spiritual alertness, faithful stewardship, and encouragement for others. Our assurance rests not in our own ability, but in the finished work of Christ and the promises of God’s unchanging Word.