The promise of Jesus’ second coming is a cornerstone of Christian faith, but it often leaves us wondering how to prepare. With the world’s uncertainties, it’s easy to feel anxious about when and how it’ll happen. But don’t worry—there are practical, faith-centered steps you can take right now to be ready for this divine event.
Understanding the Second Coming
Before diving into preparations, let’s understand what the second coming is all about. The Bible describes it as the glorious return of Jesus Christ to earth. In Matthew 24:30, Jesus says, “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
Christians believe this event will fulfill God’s ultimate plan, bringing judgment and establishing His kingdom fully. It’s a time of hope and expectation for believers. But how can you live in anticipation of this momentous event?
Strengthen Your Relationship with God
The best way to prepare for Jesus’ return is to deepen your relationship with God. Here’s how:
- Daily Prayer: Communicate with God regularly. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Study the Bible: Spend time in God’s word. It’ll guide you and deepen your understanding of His will. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
- Worship: Engage in worship personally and with your community. Worship centers your heart and mind on God, aligning you with His purpose.
Live Out Your Faith
Faith isn’t just a belief; it’s a way of life. Here’s how you can live out your faith daily:
- Love Others: Jesus emphasized love as the greatest commandment. John 13:34 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
- Serve Generously: Look for ways to serve others, reflecting Jesus’ example. Acts of kindness and service are tangible expressions of God’s love.
- Share the Gospel: Don’t keep your faith to yourself. Share the good news of Jesus with others. Matthew 28:19-20 urges, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Stay Spiritually Alert
Jesus warned about the need to stay vigilant. He said in Matthew 24:42, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Here’s how to stay spiritually alert:
- Avoid Complacency: It’s easy to get caught up in daily life and forget about spiritual matters. Make a conscious effort to keep your faith active and growing.
- Discernment: Be aware of false teachings and distractions. Stick to the truth of God’s word. 1 John 4:1 advises, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
- Regular Reflection: Regularly examine your life and faith. Are you living in a way that honors God and reflects His love?
Embrace a Lifestyle of Repentance
None of us are perfect, and that’s okay. What matters is how we respond to our imperfections:
- Confession: Be honest with God about your sins. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
- Seek Forgiveness: Don’t just stop at confession—seek God’s forgiveness and turn away from sin. Repentance means a change of heart and direction.
- Forgive Others: Just as you seek forgiveness, be ready to forgive others. Matthew 6:14-15 teaches, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Cultivate Hope and Anticipation
The second coming is a promise of hope. Here’s how to live in joyful anticipation:
- Focus on God’s Promises: Remember the promises of God’s word. Revelation 21:4 assures, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
- Live with Purpose: Knowing Jesus is coming back gives our lives meaning and direction. Live intentionally, making each day count for God’s glory.
- Encourage One Another: Share this hope with fellow believers. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 says, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
Practical Steps to Prepare
Preparation isn’t just spiritual—there are practical steps you can take too:
- Plan for the Future: While we don’t know the exact time of Jesus’ return, planning for the future is wise. It allows you to live responsibly.
- Be Good Stewards: Manage your resources—time, talents, and treasures—in a way that honors God. 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
- Stay Connected: Maintain strong relationships with your faith community. They’ll support and strengthen you in your journey.
Conclusion
Preparing for the Savior’s second coming is about aligning your life with God’s will and living in a way that reflects His love and truth. It’s a journey of faith, hope, and active anticipation. By deepening your relationship with God, living out your faith, staying spiritually alert, embracing repentance, and cultivating hope, you’ll be ready to welcome Jesus when He returns.
So, start today. Pray, study, serve, and live with joyful expectation. As Revelation 22:20 reminds us, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
FAQs: Preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming
1. What is the second coming of Jesus?
The second coming of Jesus refers to His promised return to earth, as described in the Bible. It’s believed to be a future event when Jesus will come back in glory to judge the world and fully establish God’s kingdom. This belief is rooted in scriptures like Matthew 24:30, which describes Jesus coming on the clouds of heaven with great power and glory.
2. Why is it important to prepare for Jesus’ second coming?
Preparing for Jesus’ return is crucial because it encourages us to live in alignment with God’s will. It’s not about predicting a date but about maintaining a life of faith, righteousness, and readiness. Being prepared helps us live a life that honors God and ensures we’re spiritually alert and active in our faith.
3. How can I strengthen my relationship with God in preparation for the second coming?
You can strengthen your relationship with God by:
- Praying daily: Regular communication with God through prayer.
- Studying the Bible: Reading and reflecting on scriptures to understand God’s word.
- Worshipping: Engaging in both personal and communal worship to draw closer to God.
4. What does it mean to live out my faith?
Living out your faith means putting your beliefs into action. This includes loving others, serving generously, and sharing the gospel. It’s about embodying Christian principles in your daily interactions and decisions, as Jesus instructed in John 13:34 and Matthew 28:19-20.
5. How can I stay spiritually alert?
Staying spiritually alert involves:
- Avoiding complacency: Actively nurturing your faith rather than becoming spiritually lazy.
- Practicing discernment: Being aware of false teachings and staying true to biblical principles.
- Regular reflection: Frequently examining your life and faith to ensure they align with God’s will.
6. Why is repentance important in preparing for the second coming?
Repentance is crucial because it involves recognizing and turning away from sin, seeking God’s forgiveness, and striving to live a righteous life. 1 John 1:9 highlights the importance of confession and God’s faithfulness in forgiving and purifying us from unrighteousness.
7. How can I cultivate hope and anticipation for Jesus’ return?
You can cultivate hope and anticipation by:
- Focusing on God’s promises: Meditating on scriptures that offer hope about Jesus’ return.
- Living with purpose: Making each day meaningful and intentional for God’s glory.
- Encouraging others: Sharing the hope of Jesus’ return with fellow believers to strengthen and uplift each other.
8. What are some practical steps I can take to prepare for the second coming?
Practical steps include:
- Planning for the future: Living responsibly while maintaining readiness for Jesus’ return.
- Being good stewards: Managing your resources wisely and for God’s purposes.
- Staying connected: Keeping strong ties with your faith community for support and growth.
9. How do I share my faith with others in preparation for Jesus’ return?
You can share your faith by:
- Talking about Jesus: Openly discussing your beliefs and the hope of His return.
- Living as an example: Demonstrating Christian values through your actions.
- Inviting others: Encouraging friends and family to join you in church or faith-based activities.
10. What if I struggle with doubt or fear about the second coming?
It’s normal to have doubts or fears. Address them by:
- Praying for peace and understanding: Asking God to strengthen your faith and calm your fears.
- Seeking community support: Talking with fellow believers who can offer encouragement and perspective.
- Focusing on God’s promises: Remembering that God is faithful and His plans are for our good, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.
If you have more questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your church leaders or trusted Christian friends. They can offer insights and support as you prepare for this significant event.
