Posted on October 28, 2024

 

As Christians, one of the most significant promises in our faith is the return of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches us that Christ will come again to gather His people and establish His Kingdom forever. But how do we, as believers, prepare for this momentous event? Preparing for Christ's return is not just about waiting passively but living in a way that reflects our readiness. In this guide, we’ll explore how we can actively prepare for Christ’s return by living with purpose, embracing His teachings, and staying faithful to His call.

 

Understanding the Importance of Christ’s Return

The promise of Christ's return is a central theme in Scripture. In the book of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Paul describes how the Lord will descend from heaven, accompanied by a loud command, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet call of God. The dead in Christ will rise first, followed by those who are still alive, and together they will meet the Lord in the air. This powerful event will mark the final victory over sin, death, and evil, and usher in the eternal Kingdom of God.

Understanding this truth gives us hope and assurance. It also shapes how we live today. Knowing that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead, we must live in a way that honors Him and reflects His values. Preparing for Christ's return is about living in alignment with God’s will, remaining faithful in our relationships with Him and others, and becoming more Christ-like in our character.

 

Living a Life of Holiness and Righteousness

One of the clearest ways the Bible instructs us to prepare for Christ’s return is by living a life of holiness and righteousness. In 2 Peter 3:11-12, Peter writes, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”

Holiness involves setting ourselves apart for God, living in a way that reflects His purity and goodness. It means saying no to sin and yes to righteousness. A righteous life is one that follows God's commandments, treats others with kindness and respect, and strives to reflect Christ's love in all areas of life.

When we live with holiness in mind, we are not just preparing ourselves for the future, but we are also impacting the world around us. Our actions, words, and attitudes serve as a witness to others, pointing them to Christ and helping them see the truth of His return.

 

Staying Alert and Watchful

In Matthew 25:13, Jesus tells us, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” This call to vigilance is essential for our preparation. As Christians, we are called to stay alert, not only by anticipating Christ’s return but also by actively living out our faith each day. Jesus shared parables about servants who were expected to be faithful in their master's absence, teaching us that faithfulness is key.

Being watchful means more than just waiting for the event itself; it means being spiritually alert. We are to keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ, avoiding distractions that pull us away from His teachings. We must also stay aware of the world around us and be mindful of the signs of the times, understanding that Christ’s return is nearer with each passing day.

 

Living in Active Expectation

Preparation for Christ’s return involves living with active expectation. This means we should be continually striving to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, study of His Word, and active participation in worship and community life. A life of active expectation is a life that eagerly anticipates the fulfillment of God's promises.

Jesus warned in Matthew 24:44, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” This implies that we must remain spiritually prepared at all times, not becoming complacent in our faith or distracted by the pleasures of this world.

Active expectation involves pursuing spiritual growth through discipleship, participating in ministry, and sharing the gospel with others. Every day is an opportunity to be more like Christ, and as we live out our faith, we are preparing for His return in practical ways.

 

Living Out the Great Commission

In addition to personal holiness, another crucial way to prepare for Christ’s return is by fulfilling the Great Commission—spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This task is central to our purpose as believers.

As we await Christ's return, we are called to be His witnesses, sharing the good news of salvation with those around us. This means being intentional about evangelism, whether through personal conversations, serving in outreach ministries, or supporting global missions. The urgency of Christ’s return should motivate us to be active in the mission field, both locally and globally, so that more people can hear the gospel and come to know Him before He returns.

 

Strengthening Our Faith through Prayer and Worship

Prayer and worship are essential components of preparing for Christ’s return. Through prayer, we commune with God, seek His guidance, and express our love and devotion to Him. It is through prayer that we grow in intimacy with our Savior, becoming more attuned to His will for our lives.

Worship, both personal and corporate, is also vital in preparing our hearts for Christ’s return. Worship is not only about singing songs of praise but also about offering our lives as living sacrifices, as Paul urges in Romans 12:1. By living in a posture of worship, we align our hearts with God’s purposes and make space for His presence in our lives. As we draw closer to Him, we become more ready for His return.

 

Cultivating a Spirit of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is another important aspect of preparing for Christ’s return. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus tells us, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Holding on to bitterness or unforgiveness can block our relationship with God and prevent us from living in alignment with His will.

As we anticipate Christ’s return, we must cultivate a spirit of forgiveness. This means letting go of past hurts, offering grace to others, and reconciling broken relationships. Forgiveness is a powerful way to reflect the heart of Christ, and it is essential for our preparation as we await His return.

 

Serving Others With a Christ-Like Heart

Another way we prepare for Christ's return is by serving others. Jesus Himself demonstrated servant leadership throughout His life, washing His disciples' feet and giving His life as a ransom for many. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus teaches that when we serve others—especially the least of these—we are serving Him.

Serving others is an act of worship and a way to live out our faith in practical terms. Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting charitable causes, or simply helping a neighbor in need, service is a key part of preparing for Christ’s return. By serving, we reflect the love and humility of Christ, and we build His Kingdom here on earth.

 

Living With Hope and Expectation

Ultimately, preparing for Christ’s return is a journey of hope. As we wait for the return of our Savior, we do so with the confident expectation that He will come again to make all things new. The return of Christ brings with it the promise of eternal life, a new heaven, and a new earth. This hope is what sustains us as we face the trials and challenges of this world.

As Christians, our hope is not just in the return of Christ but also in the transformation that will take place when He does. We live with the assurance that, one day, all things will be made right, and we will live forever in the presence of God.

 

As we prepare for Christ’s return, let us live with purpose, holiness, and an active expectancy. Our lives should reflect our anticipation of this glorious event, and our hearts should be focused on serving God and others in the meantime. If you’re ready to take the next step in your faith and prepare for Christ’s return, we invite you to reach out to us at [email protected] or give us a call at (504) 231-3053. We’re here to walk alongside you in your journey of faith.

Let’s stay alert, live with purpose, and eagerly await the return of our Savior. Together, we can be ready when He calls us home.