Dear friend, are you ready for Jesus Christ to return today? This question isn't hypothetical—it's urgent. Jesus will return. This isn't speculation or wishful thinking; it's biblical certainty. "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11, KJV). The same Jesus who ascended will return. The question isn't if He'll come but when. And Scripture is clear: we don't know the day or hour. "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" (Matthew 24:36, KJV). This uncertainty demands constant readiness. Many Christians acknowledge Christ's return intellectually while living as though it will never happen. They pursue worldly ambitions, neglect spiritual disciplines, compromise with sin, and ignore eternal priorities—all because they assume they have plenty of time. But Scripture warns against this dangerous presumption. Jesus may return today. Are you ready?

Today, we'll explore biblical principles for preparing for Christ's second coming. This isn't about date-setting, prophetic speculation, or fearful obsession with end-times events. It's about living in constant readiness through holy living, faithful service, watchful vigilance, and urgent evangelism. Jesus repeatedly commanded His followers to watch and be ready. He told parables about servants awaiting their master's return, virgins awaiting the bridegroom, and stewards managing resources until accountability time. The consistent message: live every day as though Christ might return that day. "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:44, KJV). He will come when you don't expect. This isn't meant to frighten you but to motivate holy, purposeful living. The certainty of Christ's return should transform how you live today—your priorities, relationships, use of time and resources, and eternal perspective. Let's discover together how to live in readiness for the most significant event in human history: the glorious return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He's coming soon. Are you prepared to meet Him?

Ensure Your Salvation Through Faith in Jesus Christ

The first and most critical step in preparing for Christ's return is ensuring you're saved. When Jesus returns, it will be too late to receive salvation. Those who've rejected Christ will face eternal judgment; those who've received Him will enter eternal glory. There's no middle ground, no second chance after death or after His return. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27, KJV). Death brings judgment, not another opportunity. Similarly, Christ's return brings final reckoning. If you've never genuinely repented of sin and trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, do it now—today, this moment. Don't presume you have tomorrow. "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14, KJV). Your life is a vapor. Christ may return today. You may die today. Ensure your salvation now while opportunity remains.

For believers, examine yourselves to ensure your faith is genuine. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Corinthians 13:5, KJV). Not everyone who claims to be Christian is truly saved. Jesus warned, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:21-23, KJV). Many who think they're saved will hear "Depart from me." Why? Because they never truly knew Christ—they had religion without relationship, outward profession without inward transformation. Evidence of genuine salvation includes love for God and His Word, hunger for holiness, victory over habitual sin (though you still struggle and sometimes fail), love for other believers, and the Holy Spirit's witness in your heart. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:16, KJV). If these marks are absent, perhaps you've never been truly saved. Don't gamble with eternity. Make your calling and election sure today. Ensure your salvation, because when Christ returns, your eternal destiny is sealed. There's no preparation more important than this. If you're uncertain about your salvation, cry out to Christ now. Don't wait another moment. He will save all who call upon Him in genuine repentance and faith.

Watch and Pray with Spiritual Vigilance

Jesus repeatedly commanded His followers to watch—remain spiritually alert, discerning the times, and anticipating His return. "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matthew 24:42, KJV). Watching means more than believing Christ will return someday. It means living with constant expectancy, maintaining spiritual alertness rather than careless complacency. Many Christians have fallen asleep spiritually—distracted by entertainment, absorbed in worldly pursuits, complacent about sin, and unconcerned about Christ's return. Jesus warned against this: "But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 24:48-51, KJV). The servant who assumes his master is delayed becomes careless, abusive, and worldly—and faces terrible judgment. Don't be that servant. Watch vigilantly.

Additionally, recognize that Christ's return will be sudden and unexpected. "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2, KJV). Thieves don't announce their arrival. Similarly, Christ will come unexpectedly. When people are saying "Peace and safety," sudden destruction comes. Don't be caught off guard. The wise virgins in Jesus' parable were prepared when the bridegroom came; the foolish weren't, and they missed the wedding feast (Matthew 25:1-13). Be wise. Keep your lamp filled with oil—maintain vibrant spiritual life through prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience. Don't let spiritual fervor fade. Fan the flame constantly. Also, understand that delay doesn't mean cancellation. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). God delays to give more people opportunity to repent. But delay has limits. Jesus will return. Watch vigilantly, pray fervently, and live expectantly. His coming is certain. Your readiness should be constant. Don't let the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, or the pleasures of life choke out watchfulness. Stay alert. Christ is coming soon.

Live Holy Lives That Honor God

Preparing for Christ's return requires holy living. You can't claim to anticipate His return while living in unrepentant sin, worldly compromise, or spiritual lukewarmness. Peter asked, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God" (2 Peter 3:11-12, KJV). Knowing everything earthly is temporary and Christ is returning, what kind of people should you be? Holy and godly. John wrote, "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3, KJV). Hope of Christ's return produces self-purification. If you truly believe Jesus could return today, you'll live differently. You'll flee sin, pursue holiness, and maintain clean conscience. You'll want Him to find you faithful when He appears. Imagine Christ returning right now. Would you be ashamed of what He'd find you doing, thinking, or watching? If so, change immediately. Live every moment as though Christ is watching—because He is. And live ready for Him to appear any moment—because He might.

Furthermore, remember that judgment begins with God's house. "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17, KJV). God holds His people to higher standards than unbelievers. When Christ returns, believers will give account at the judgment seat of Christ. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV). This isn't judgment determining salvation—that's settled through faith in Christ. It's judgment determining rewards based on faithfulness. How you've lived, served, and stewarded resources will be evaluated. Works done for Christ's glory will be rewarded; works done for selfish motives will be burned. "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (1 Corinthians 3:13-15, KJV). Live for rewards that endure, not earthly acclaim that perishes. Holy living positions you for Christ's commendation when He returns: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." What greater reward could you desire than hearing those words from your Savior's lips?

Serve Faithfully in God's Kingdom Work

Preparing for Christ's return involves faithful service in His kingdom. Jesus told parables about servants managing their master's resources during his absence. The faithful servants worked diligently, investing resources wisely and producing returns. The lazy servant buried his talent and did nothing. When the master returned, he rewarded faithful servants but punished the lazy one (Matthew 25:14-30). The message is clear: Christ expects you to serve faithfully until He returns. Don't be idle, lazy, or negligent. "Occupy till I come" (Luke 19:13, KJV). Stay busy in kingdom work. God has given you gifts, abilities, resources, time, and opportunities. Use them for His glory. Serve in your local church. Share the gospel with unbelievers. Disciple new believers. Support missionaries. Care for the poor and needy. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, as unto the Lord.

Dear friend, Jesus Christ is returning soon. This isn't religious rhetoric—it's certain truth. Are you ready? Have you truly received salvation through faith in Christ? Are you watching vigilantly with spiritual alertness? Are you living in holiness that honors God? Are you serving faithfully in His kingdom work? If you can answer yes to these questions, you're prepared. Keep watching, keep serving, keep believing. He's coming soon. If you can't answer yes, don't delay. Ensure your salvation today. Repent of complacency and worldliness. Rededicate yourself to holy living and faithful service. Time is short. Christ may return today. "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Revelation 22:12, KJV). He's coming quickly. His reward is with Him. Will you be ready to meet Him? Live today—and every day—as though it's your last opportunity to prepare. Because it might be. Maranatha! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!