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How should I prepare for Christ's return

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How does God want us to be prepared for the rapture or return of Christ? How do we make ready? What should mark the Christian's attitude and activity?

I list several marks of preparation with Scripture references:

Eager Waiting — Philippians 3:20Bible quoteFor our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.Philippians 3 verse 20

Loving Christ's Appearing — 2 Timothy 4:8Bible quoteHenceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.2 Timothy 4 verse 8

Exercising Patience — James 5:7-8Bible quote(verse 7) Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

(verse 8) Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.James 5 verses 7-8

Purifying Ourselves — 1 John 2:28Bible quoteAnd now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.1 John 2 verse 28; 1 John 3:3Bible quoteAnd every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.1 John 3 verse 3

Being Watchful — Mark 13:32-33Bible quote(verse 32) But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

(verse 33) Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.Mark 13 verses 32-33

Practicing Faithfulness — Matthew 25:21, 23Bible quote(verse 21) His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

(verse 23) His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Matthew 25 verses 21, 23

Proclaiming the Gospel — 2 Timothy 4:1-2Bible quote(verse 1) I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

(verse 2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.2 Timothy 4 verses 1-2

I will concentrate on purifying ourselves, for there is much stress in the New Testament on the importance of self-purification and holiness in preparing for Christ's return.

Let us attend to the words from 1 John 2:28 (NASB)Bible quoteAnd now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.1 John 2 (KJV) verse 28:

Abide in Him [Christ], so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him ['away from Him,'] in shame at His coming.

Every one who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.

Will we be ready when the Lord returns? Will we be living in such sin that although His arrival is "our blessed hope" (which indeed it is), we will shrink in shame at His presence? The Lord who will come is holy and pure; shall we meet Him in unholiness and impurity of life? To be sure, none of us will be perfect when Christ returns, but we can make better preparation, as John says, by seeking in every way possible to "purify ourselves as He is pure." Hebrews put it quite strongly:

Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (RSV)Bible quoteFollow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.Hebrews 12 (KJV) verse 14

If we are striving and seeking for holiness and purity of life, we need not shrink in shame at the Lord's appearing. Are you —am I— making ready?

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