The New Testament is clear: Christ’s return is imminent. He could appear at any moment to take His people to heaven. If He returned today, would you be prepared to meet Him?

Jesus doesn’t want us to be in the dark concerning His return. In Mark 13, He described this great event to His disciples and impressed on them the seriousness of being prepared to meet Him. Our Lord’s instructions speak to us today.

Mark 13:32-36
“32 But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 33 “Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.

34 It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert.

35 Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’”

How can we prepare ourselves for our Lord’s return? We are to “take heed, keep on the alert” (vs 33). We are to take Jesus’ words seriously and allow them to motivate us to action.

“The master of the house” has assigned to each of us a specific task (vs 34). While we wait for our Master to return, we are to stay awake and make sure we are doing our assigned work (vs 36).

Jesus’ command to be alert has a sense of urgency. Why? Because there is still much work to be done. Though Satan our enemy was defeated at the Cross, he is still continually seeking to deceive and destroy us.

Our Lord never intended that we His followers sit around and wait passively for His appearing. Instead, His imminent return should motivate us to live a godly life that pleases and honors Him.

Living a godly life will ensure that our heart is at peace and we will feel no shame when Christ appears.   Christ’s soon return will give us strong hope to stand during difficulties. We will eagerly anticipate His appearing…and joyfully share the Good News with others.

The writers of the New Testament often employed the imminency of Christ’s return as an incentive for believers to live a godly life. Do you want to be prepared to meet Christ face-to-face? Take a few minutes to reflect on the Scripture passages below. Allow the Holy Spirit to show you how to apply them to your life.

Romans 13:11-14
“11 And do this [love one another], understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

James 5:8
“You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”

James 5:9
“Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”

Hebrews 10:24-25
“24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

1 Peter 4:7
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.”

2 Peter 3:11
“Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,”

1 John 3:2-3
“2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”