How to Be Ready for Christ's Return

The Bible tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10). The wisest person in the world is the person who understands the fearful consequences of entering eternity without having trusted Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior. The greatest disgrace in life is not in fearing God’s punishment for sin and trusting in His Son, but in rejecting Jesus (His name means “to save!”), and finding ourselves unprepared for His return. The Bible warns us that Christ will return suddenly and without warning and the world − as we know it − will end.  Consider as well the real possibility that your “world” could end even sooner, before Christ’s return. Life is fragile, brief, and uncertain. Once your life is over there will be no “second chances” to trust in God’s Son. 

ADMIT YOUR NEED FOR GOD’S FORGIVENESS − The Bible tells us that God sent His only Son to meet our greatest need − our need for someone to save us from our sins. The Bible says that “all of us have sinned” and have failed to live up to God’s standard of “righteousness” (moral goodness). We have all broken God’s laws. There are no exceptions

BELIEVE WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT YOUR NEED AND HIS SON − In the Bible God tells us “the wages (the cost) of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.” (Romans 6:23). The Bible also tells us that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son so that anyone who believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

Believing sincerely in what we think, or in what other people think, can never save us. We must believe sincerely in what God says concerning . . .

Himself: He is holy. He hates sin and will judge sin.
Sin: Sin is deadly. Sin has separated us from God.
Sinners: We are lost people. We deserve God’s judgment.
But God loves us!
His Son: Only Jesus Christ can save us!

CONSIDER THE COST OF REJECTING CHRIST − Many people have clever and persuasive excuses for why they don’t need Jesus Christ. Are you one of them? Consider the foolish excuses of the man in this poem. Are some of those excuses yours? Remember that knowledge can’t save you, riches can’t save you, good behavior can’t save you, even religion − including baptism, church membership, teaching Sunday school, etc. − can’t save you. Only God’s Son can save you − and His name is Jesus. What excuse is ever good enough to reject Jesus Christ and all that he offers.

DECIDE TODAY TO TRUST CHRIST AND INVITE HIM INTO YOUR HEART − The Bible tells us now is the time to turn to God and trust His Son. Tomorrow may be too late. Jesus says “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in . . .” (Rev. 3:20). You can pray to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord right now. The following prayer is one that you can pray. However, God is not concerned with the words themselves, but the attitude of your heart:

“Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to earth, dying on the cross for my sins, and rising again for me. Forgive me for all my sins and come into my heart to live as my Savior and Lord.  Take control of my life, live in me, and guide me according to your perfect will. Thank you for saving me and becoming my living Lord and returning King. Amen.”