Prepare to meet your God!

Prepare to meet your God!

  This message is a comprehensive presentation of what the Bible teaches about the Second Coming of Christ and how you can become ready to meet Him. God loves you and longs to have you with Him in Heaven and enjoy eternal bliss forever and ever. He does not desire that you spend your eternity in hell. Dear friend, I plead with you to read carefully whatever is written here. It takes only thirty minutes. There are about 250 Bible references in this write-up. You don’t need to necessarily turn to all the references in the first reading. You may open your Bible and look at the verses in the subsequent readings. You will be thrilled to find out that things are so. This is a matter of “life or death,” “Heaven or Hell.” You cannot afford to take risks here. I pray that God would open your eyes of understanding as you read through these pages.

The Holy Bible is the Word of God. It contains about 30,000 verses. Over 8000 of these verses contain predictive prophecy. This means, approximately 25% of the Bible foretells future events. That’s why the Bible is also called the “Word of Prophecy” (2 Pet 1:19-21).

The main theme of prophecy in the Bible is Jesus Christ. The last of the 66 Books in the Bible states, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit (= substance, essence) of prophecy” (Rev 19:10). Some prophecies are about the First Coming of Christ, whereas the others are about His Second Coming. The prophecies concerning His First Coming were fulfilled exactly in His Birth, Life, Ministry, Death, Resurrection and Ascension. Here are some examples: His place of birth (Mic 5:2; Lk 2:4,5,7); His virgin birth (Isa 7:14; Lk 1:26,27,30,31); His forerunner (Mal 3:1; Lk 7:24,27); His region of ministry (Isa 9:1,2; Mt 4:13-16); His teaching thro’ parables (Psa 78:2-4; Mt 13:34,35); Rejection by His own people (Isa 53:3; Jn 1:11); Betrayal by His disciple (Psa 41:9; Lk 22:47); False witnesses against Him (Psa 35:11; Mk 14:57); Crucified with two thieves (Isa 53:12; Mk 15:27); Buried with the rich (Isa 53:9; Mt 27:57-60); His Resurrection (Psa 16:10; Mk 16:6,7); and His Ascension (Psa 68:18; Eph 4:8).

Just as the prophecies concerning Christ’s First Coming were fulfilled to the minutest detail, the prophecies about His Second Coming will also be exactly and literally fulfilled. Here are some of these prophecies: (a) As foretold by Christ Himself (Mt 24:30; Mk 13:24-26; Lk 17:23,24; Jn 14:2,3);

(b) As foretold by Angels (Acts 1:10,11); (c) As foretold by Christ’s disciples (Phil 1:6; Col 3:4; 1 Thess 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:16; 5:23; 2 Thess 2:8; Tit 2:13; Heb 9:27,28; Js 5:7,8; 2 Pet 3:9-12; 1 Jn 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14,15; the entire Book of Revelation).

It’s understood from these prophetic passages that there would be several major events associated with the Second Coming of Christ. They are His Secret Coming and the Rapture of the Church (1 Cor 15:51,52; 1 Thess 4:16-18);

Rise of Antichrist (2 Thess 2:1,7,8); Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor 3:13-15; 2 Cor 5:4,10; 1 Pet 5:4); Great Tribulation (Dan 12:1; Mt 24:4-26); Public Return of Christ (Dan 7:9-14; Mt 24:27-30; Rev 19:11-16); His one thousand year Reign on Earth (Isa 11:4-10; Rev 20:4-10); Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-14); Destruction of the Earth by fire (2 Pet 3:5-13; Rev 20:11; 21:1); and the Emerging of New Heaven and New Earth (Isa 60:19-22; 65:17; 66:22; Rev 21:1-22:5).

The Bible Teachers and Christians differ widely in their understanding of the chronology (order) as well as the character (nature) of these events. That’s immaterial. What’s of utmost importance is our PREPARATION for the Second Coming. It’s up to God to take care of these events as to WHEN and HOW and WHERE (Acts 1:6-8). Our part is to be READY for these next major events in God’s prophetic Calendar. The early disciples lived with the every-moment-expectation of the Return of their Lord. So much so, it is said, the word of greeting they exchanged between each other was “Maranatha,” an Aramaic word meaning, “The Lord comes!” Here are 10 vital areas where we must prepare ourselves —

1. Personal Repentance & Second Coming

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, preached, “Repent, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near” (Mt 3:2). When Jesus came, His message also was, “Repent, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near” (Mt 4:17). He has taught us to pray, “Your Kingdom come” (Mt 6:10). Referring to various events that would precede His Return, Jesus said, “When you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near” (Lk 21:31).

Dear friend, repent of your sins right now. Confess them to God. He will forgive you totally. The blood of His Son will thoroughly cleanse you (1 Jn 1:7-9). Believe and confess that Christ died for you and rose again. Be baptized in water. You will be saved (Rom 10:9,10; Mk 16:16; 1 Pet 3:21,22). You will receive an inner assurance that you are a child of God (Jn 1:12; Rom 8:16). This is what the Bible calls as Rebirth or New Birth. Jesus said, “Unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God” (Jn 3:3-5). Only when you repent of your sins and be converted, you are ready to meet God (Acts 3:19,20). Throw away your rags of self-righteousness and be clothed with the Robe of Right-eousness of Christ (Isa 64:6; Lk 15:22; Phil 3:4-9). Only then you can join the banquet of the King (Mt 22:11-13).

Forget about the past. God will overlook the “times of ignorance.” But now He commands everyone to repent because judgment is near (Acts 17:30,31). Don’t mistake the delay in the Return of Christ. God is patiently giving you more time to repent (2 Pet 3:9). Do not delay any further (Prov 29:1). Tomorrow may be too late (Prov 27:1; 2 Cor 6:2). Get your name registered right today in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev 21:27; Heb 12:23). When the Books would be opened before God, sitting on the White Throne, if your name is not there, what would you do then? (Rev 20:11,12). Anyone not found in the Book of Life would be cast into the lake of fire (v15).

2. Bible Meditation & Second Coming

While foretelling His disciples the signs of His Coming, Jesus emphatically said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Mt 24:35; Lk 21:33). Everything we see today is temporal, but with one

exception. That’s the Bible! As we are approaching the end of endtime, “floods” of false doctrines will dash against us. Only if our lives are founded on the solid rock of God’s Word, we can escape the disaster (Mt 7:24-27). False teachers and false prophets will outnumber the genuine Bible teachers in the last days (Mt 24:11; 2 Tim 4:1-4).

Saturate yourself with the Scriptures. Spend enough time unhurriedly with the meditation of the Bible. Consult trustworthy Bible teachers to buy reliable Bible study aids. Memorize as many Bible verses as possible. These are “evil days” (Eph 6:13). Satan and all his demonic powers are warring against the children of God (v12). The only weapon of offence that God has placed in our hands is the “Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” (v17). Beware of extra-Biblical revelations and experiences (1 Cor 4:6). The Bible is not only supreme but also sufficient (2 Tim 3:14-17). Do not go after visions, dreams, signs, wonders and such spectacular things. They must not be lifted above the written Word (Jer 23:28,29; 2 Thess 2:9-12; Lk 17:20,21).

Christ is the “Bright and Morning Star” (Rev 22:16). Until He reappears, we are to walk in the “light” of God’s Word in this world of “darkness” (2 Pet 1:19-21). We can experience a daily cleansing through the daily meditation of God’s Word. This is how Christ would present us holy and blameless at His Coming (Eph 5:25-27). One of His names in Heaven would be “The Word of God” (Rev 19:13).

3. Holy Life & Second Coming

“Without holiness, no one can see the Lord” (Heb 12:14; Mt 5:8). This earth will be utterly destroyed by fire when “the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (2 Pet 3:10).

After foretelling this global holocaust, Apostle Peter challenges us, “Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons you must be in holy conduct and godliness!” (v11). Peter further admonishes us to be “diligent to be found before Him without spot or blame” (v14).

Keep your conscience clear before God and man because of the would-be “resurrection of the dead,” the believers for “everlasting life,” and the unbelievers for “everlasting contempt” (Acts 24:15,16; Dan 12:2). When we meet the Lord, we shall be changed into His very likeness. Everyone who has this hope in Him must purify himself, just as He is pure (1 Jn 3:2,3). Nothing unclean can by any means enter Heaven (Rev 21:27; 1 Cor 6:9,10; Gal 5:19-21). Everything in Heaven will be called holy: “Holy angels” (Rev 14:10), “Holy apostles” (18:20), “Holy prophets” (18:20; 22:6), “Holy City” (21:10). The nonstop chorus in Heaven would be, “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Rev 4:8).

Dear friend, never ever become slack in loving goodness and hating evil. The devil can tempt you, but he cannot defeat you without your cooperation. Keep saying no to the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” so you may abide forever in the eternal bliss (1 Jn 2:16,17). Subject yourself to frequent self-examination in the presence of God on your knees. Never be satisfied with your level of holiness. The world will become more and more sinful and wicked. But the call in the last pages of the Bible is, “He who is holy, let him be holy still ... Behold, I am coming quickly” (Rev 22:11,12). Jesus has predicted that the majority would choose the broad way to Hell; only a few would strive to enter the narrow gate to Heaven (Mt 7:13,14). “Abstain from every form of evil ... the God of peace Himself will sanctify you completely ... at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess 5:22,23). Be absolutely confident that “God who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the Day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6).

4. Watchful Prayer & Second Coming

Being watchful in prayer is basic to the preparation for Christ’s Second Coming. After mentioning the difficult days which would precede His Return, He concluded, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Lk 21:36). He has warned us against the things of the world which can crowd out prayer from our lives (v34).

Watchfulness in prayer means taking time to stay in the presence of God and not rushing through this exercise. An hour of prayer each day is only a minimum. The early hours of the day are the best (Psa 63:1; Mk 1:35). The kneeling posture helps better concentration. Kneeling is mentioned all through the Bible as a mark of reverence before the Almighty God (Psa 95:6). People in the Old Testament times knelt down and prayed (2 Chr 6:13; Dan 6:10). Jesus knelt down and prayed (Lk 22:41). His disciples knelt down and prayed (Acts 9:40; 20:36; 21:5). Finally, at the Return of Christ, “every knee shall bow” before Him (Phil 2:10). Kneeling is never outdated.

Adoration, praise and thanksgiving help us maintain a spirit of prayer with vigilance (Col 4:2). Heaven will be a place of non-stop worship (Rev 4:8; 7:11,12; 11:16,17; 15:3,4).

Watchfulness in prayer also means practising the presence of God by a conscious realisation that “Christ is in us, and we are in Him” (Acts 2:25,26; Jn 17:21-23). We just don’t know when Christ would return. It may be in the “morning” or “evening” or “midnight.” So we must always stay watchful (Mk 13:35-37). Many are losing heart in prayer (Lk 18:1); that’s why Jesus lamented, “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (v8). Whether our prayers are answered or not, enjoying the sweet fellowship with God is the supreme purpose of prayer (Lk 6:12; 21:37). The “prayers of the saints” are the incense offered before the Throne in Heaven (Rev 5:8; 8:3,4).

5. Relationships & Second Coming

While listing out the signs of His Coming and the end of the age, Jesus foretold, “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Mt 24:12). Apostle Paul added, “In the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves ... unloving, unforgiving, ...” (2 Tim 3:1-5). This is very much true today. God’s people cannot imbibe this spirit.

Jesus said, “This is My Commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12). We are to “pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb 12:14). “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand” (Phil 4:5). “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!” (Js 5:9). “Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes” (1 Cor 4:5). Jesus has warned us that if we abuse anyone verbally, we shall be in danger of judgment and hellfire (Mt 5:22). Beware of backbiting, talebearing, whispering, gossip and the like! The Lord has warned us that for “every” idle word we speak, we must give account in the Day of Judgment (Mt 12:36). Uncontrolled tongue is hellfire (Js 3:6).

Reconcile with the wronged (Mt 5:23,24). Restitute matters (Ezek 33:15). Root out all bitterness from your heart. Forgive freely as God in Christ has forgiven us (Eph 4:32). Die to casteism and regionalism. In Heaven we all will be “like angels” with no distinction whatsoever (Mk 12:25). We will be a single “family” of people from “all nations, tribes, people, and languages ... clothed with white robes” (Eph 3:15; Rev 7:9). Let’s learn coexistence here itself!

Family peace is top priority in relationships because family is the basic unit in the Church or the society (Lk 10:5). Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church; and wives are to submit to their husbands as to the Lord (Eph 5:22-28; Col 3:18,19). God will judge un-faithfulness in marriage (Heb 13:4). Children are to obey their parents; and parents are not to provoke the children (Eph 6:1-4; Col 3:20,21). Pray with tears for your children, because their days would be much more difficult than yours (Lk 23:28,29). As the Forerunner for the Second Coming of Christ, one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is to “turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers,” before the “great and dreadful Day of the Lord” (Mal 4:5,6). This is in order to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Lk 1:17).

6. Church Fellowship & Second Coming

The Church is the Body of Christ. All those who are born again are its members (1 Cor 12:27). There should be no distinctions, racial or social, within the Church (1 Cor 12:13). The greatest burden of Jesus was the unity of the Church (Jn 17:20,21). That’s why all the New Testament Epistles emphasize unity. The “one-another” passages are simply too many in these Epistles (Rom 12:10; 1 Cor 11:33; Gal 6:2; Eph 4:2; 5:21; Col 3:13; 1 Thess 5:11; Heb 3:13; Js 5:16; 1 Pet 4:10; 1 Jn 3:23). There will be no deno-minational differences in Heaven! Whether you are an Anglican, a Baptist, a Lutheran, a Methodist, a Pentecostal or whatever, all the blood-washed children of God together will be the Bride of Christ (2 Cor 11:2; Rev 19:6-8). On the face of these glorious things to come, what an awesome responsibility is on us to live in peace with one another!

Of the seven Churches in the Book of Revelation, some Churches were on fire for God, some were lukewarm, and some were about to die (Rev 2 & 3). But Christ did not give up on any Church. Beloved, there are genuine believers in every Church (Rev 3:4). Let’s embrace them all. Gather with God’s people as often as you can. We are warned against “forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” in view of the fact that “the Day is approaching” (Heb 10:24,25). Such gatherings should not only be for “worship” but also for “fellowship,” for mutual edification (Acts 2:46,47). Christ is not returning for any individual or an organisation but for the Church.

If you are called to be a Pastor, feed the flock faithfully and don’t feed on them (Ezek 34:2). Be a servant-leader. Do everything cheerfully to your congregation, and not out of compulsion. Spend and be spent for their wellbeing and growth (2 Cor 12:14,15). Be an example to your people. Labour day and night to present every member of your congregation perfect in Christ Jesus (Col 1:28,29). Train and equip them for the ministry (Eph 4:11-13). “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the Crown of Glory” (1 Pet 5:1-4). Don’t sink too much of money in buildings. Mega-structures are not God’s perfect will for the endtime (Mt 24:1,2; Lk 21:5,6). If the congregation grows big, divide

it into smaller and manageable units so several new leaders would emerge. This will also help avoid undesirable vertical splits led by secondliners. Be satisfied with simple functional structures. Let your time and treasure be invested directly on “living stones” (1 Pet 2:4,5). The Heroes of Faith of the past, who were waiting for the “Heavenly City,” moved from “towers to tents,” but we are going from “tents to towers!” (Heb 11:8-10). Is this faith?

7. Stewardship & Second Coming

God has blessed us with time, talents and treasure. We are not owners of these endowments but simply users. At the Second Coming of Christ we will be rewarded according to how we have used these blessings. This is best illustrated by Christ in the Parable of Talents (Mt 25:14-30). There’s no child of God without a talent (v15). We must be “faithful” in using whatever talents God has given us (vv 21,23). Otherwise we will be thrown into “outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (v30). The responsibility is even more for those called to leadership (Mt 24:44-51).

Learn to be faithful in “small things.” Be “faithful” at home, in your neighbourhood, in your workspot, in the Church and in your family life. May be you are working in the field or in the kitchen. That makes no difference. The faithful will be taken up when Christ comes, but the unfaithful left out (Mt 24:40,41). Do not overdifferentiate between the spiritual and the secular. Work hard. Be diligent.

The Bible also warns us against overuse of even legitimate blessings, in view of the fact that the world is about to come to an end: 1 Cor 7:29-31, “The time is short, so that

from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. Because, the form of this world is passing away.” This was the lifestyle of the Heroes of Faith of old. They knew that their citizenship was in Heaven, a “Better country,” and their stay here in this world was just a transit (Heb 11:9,10,13-16; Phil 3:20). If we don’t use the earthly riches as God desires, how would He permit us into Heaven to enjoy His heavenly riches? (Lk 16:11). Avoid extravagance in all areas of life. Heaven is for the simple people (Mt 5:3). Christendom is plagued today with a modern teaching which is preoccupied with physical and material blessings (Phil 3:17-19). This is a “different gospel.” The Bible warns us that if we have faith in Christ only for this earthly life, “we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Cor 15:19).

8. Charity & Second Coming

When Jesus returns as a King, He would divide people as “sheep” and “goats.” He would send the sheep to His “right side,” and the goats to His “left.” To those on His right He would say, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: because, I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; ... I was naked and you clothed Me ... Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry ... or thirsty ... or naked?’ The King will answer, Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.” But He would send those on His left to “everlasting punishment and fire” because they cared the less for the poor (Mt 25:31-46). Dear friend, can the message be clearer?

In another instance Jesus said, “When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Lk 14:12-14). Heaven will be populated with the have-nots (1 Cor 1:26-29). None of us is too poor to help the poor. If God has given you more than what you need, it is in order that you may pass it on to those in need. You cannot take money with you to Heaven, but you can send it ahead! Saving “treasures in Heaven” is through spending it today for the poor in this world (Mt 6:19-21). The words of Jesus to a rich young man of His time must be shouted aloud in the ears of our modern youngsters who go crazy after fat salaries: “Sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven; and then come and follow Me” (Mt 19:16-22). Don’t forget the stories of the two rich men we read about in Luke’s Gospel (Lk 12:16-21; 16:19-31). Have you opened an account in the Bank of Heaven? How much is the savings?

9. Sufferings & Second Coming

The last Sermon of Jesus is recorded for us in John 14,15 and 16. This Sermon contains some of His most comforting words for us in this world of suffering and sorrow. Jn 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled ... In My Father’s house are many mansions ... I go to prepare a place for you ... I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also!” Jn 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!” How encouraging that these are respectively the opening and closing words of this Sermon!

There’s no one without suffering in this world. It’s even more for God’s people. By His death on the Cross, Christ has redeemed us from the “curse of the Law” (Gal 3:13). But we are not totally delivered yet from the “curse of the fall,” which includes physical sicknesses, pain and death (Gen 3:16-19). This deliverance will be ours only when Christ returns. About this, see what Apostle Paul writes: “We know that the whole creation groans and labours with birth pangs together until now. And not only they, but we also, even though we have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” (Rom 8:22,23). And he adds, “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (v18). Not now, but only when we would reach the New Heaven and the New Earth, “God would wipe away every tear from our eyes” (Rev 21:1-4). Until then, God’s “grace” is sufficient for us, because His “strength” will be made perfect in weakness, whatever be the “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor 12:7-10).

We also may suffer for the sake of godly living and proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 14:22; 2 Tim 3:12; Mt 10:16-22). But if we patiently “endure” all these sufferings, “we shall reign with Christ” (2 Tim 2:11,12). The martyrs would be honoured with the “Crown of Life” (Rev 2:10) and a “white robe” (6:9-11).

Death is the worst enemy of mankind. May be you have lost a dear one. Sorrowing is natural. But we must not sorrow “like those who have no hope” (1 Thess 4:13). We look forward to a day when “the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the

air.” And thus united with our dear ones, “we shall always be with the Lord.” Let’s comfort ourselves and others with these words (vv 16-18).

10. Soulwinning & Second Coming

The basic calling of every Christian is to bring others to Christ (Mt 4:19). We are converted to convert others. We are comforted to comfort others. We are blessed to bless others. There’s no greater service a Christian can render to his fellowmen than to show them the Way to Heaven! We are talking about the Second Coming of Christ; but there are millions who have not heard even about His First Coming. Who is responsible, dear Christian friend? If not you, who?

Christ is the “Saviour” today (1 Tim 1:15). Tomorrow He will come as the “Judge” (2 Tim 4:1). Introduce Christ to the folks now. The Bible says, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly for their ungodly deeds, ungodly way and ungodly words against Him” (Jude 14,15). Let’s plunge into action to “pull them out of this fire” of judgment (vv 22,23). People without Christ are lost, lost forever. Christ is the only Way to Heaven (Jn 14:6; Acts 4:12).

How many years have you been a Christian? How many non-Christians have you brought to Christ so far? Atleast one per year? Go wherever you can to share the Gospel with people — in your neighbourhood, in marketplaces, villages, hospitals and prisons. Join the teams of youth organisations to reach out to young people who are destroying themselves with drugs, illicit sex and porno-graphy. Christ alone can deliver them from these clutches (Jn 8:34,36). Contribute liberally to Missionary agencies which work among the unreached, unchurched, uncivilized, neglected and downtrodden people groups. How shall the Missionaries go to these people unless we send them there? (Rom 10:13-15). Pray for the millions of shepherdless sheep to be brought into the fold (Mt 9:36-38; Jn 10:16).

Come out of your apprehensions to share the Gospel. Don’t be ashamed of Christ and His words (Rom 1:16). He has said, “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mk 8:38). Jesus promised, “If anyone serves Me, My Father will honour him” (Jn 12:26). The disciples of Christ were cowards before the Day of Pentecost. But when the Holy Spirit came on them, they received power to proclaim the Gospel boldly (Acts 1:8; 4:31). Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13). Pray with those who are filled with the Spirit. With the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit you will become an effective soulwinner. When Christ returns, you will receive the Soulwinners’ “Crown!” (1 Thess 2:19). Here’s a glorious promise in Daniel 12:3, “Those who turn many to righteousness shall shine like the stars forever and ever!”

To summarise —

1. Repent of your sins truly.

2. Meditate on the Bible regularly.

3. Grow in holiness uncompromisingly.

4. Pray fervently and watchfully.

5. Relate to one another lovingly.

6. Fellowship with God’s people freely.

7. Use God-given talents faithfully.

8. Help the poor liberally.

9. Endure sufferings patiently.

10. Witness for Christ boldly.

The Second Coming of Christ is so precious in God’s sight that He would give the “Crown of Righteousness” even to those who just “love His appearing” (2 Tim 4:8). “Loving” His appearing is what motivates us to “prepare” for it! The Bible ends with a Promise and a Prayer: Rev 22:20, “Surely I am coming quickly!” “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

(This article written by R. Stanley)

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