Though they may be born again, I do not believe that all professed believers are automatically ready to meet the Lord.

The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober,
and watch unto prayer.

— 1 Peter 4:7

 

When the Bible says that God is calling a special people out of the nations to bear the name of His eternal Son, I believe it—and His name is Jesus!

Our pious forefathers believed in spiritual preparation, and they said so. They saw themselves as a bride being prepared to meet the Bridegroom. They regarded this earth as the dressing room to outfit themselves for heaven.

The evangelical church has come through a period when nearly everyone has believed that there is just one prerequisite to readiness: being born again. We have made being born again almost like receiving a pass to a special event—when Jesus returns, we whip out the pass to prove our readiness.

Frankly, I do not think it will be like that. I do not believe that all professed believers are automatically ready to meet the Lord. Our Savior Himself was joined by Peter and John and Paul in warning and pleading that we should live and watch and pray, so to be ready for Jesus’ coming.

 

 

Dear Lord, help me to “act out” my faith today with seriousness and passion. Enable me to give spiritual guidance or encouragement to someone who is hurting.