How can believers prepare for the events described in Revelation 6:13? The Cosmic Sign and Its Certainty “and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind.” (Revelation 6:13) Because Scripture is completely true and trustworthy, we take this verse at face value: an actual, future collapse of the celestial order under the sixth seal. God is warning, not merely illustrating. Believers today can—and should—make ready. Why Preparation Matters • God reveals these events so that His people will not be caught off guard (1 Thessalonians 5:4–6). • Jesus repeatedly tied end-time signs to a call for watchfulness and faithfulness (Matthew 24:42–44). • A prepared heart stands firm when “everything that can be shaken” is shaken (Hebrews 12:26–29). Anchoring Our Hearts in Truth • Remember God’s sovereignty: He “sustains all things by His powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3). • Recall His unchanging promises: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). • Rest in Christ’s finished work: “In Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). Steps for Personal Preparation • Daily fellowship with Christ – Abide in the Vine (John 15:4-5). – Keep short accounts through confession (1 John 1:9). • Saturate your mind with Scripture – Imitate the Bereans, examining the Word daily (Acts 17:11). – Memorize promises that combat fear (Isaiah 41:10). • Guard against deception – Jesus’ first end-time warning: “See that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4). – Test every spirit and teaching (1 John 4:1). • Walk in holiness – “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15-16). – Purity now prevents shame then (1 John 2:28). • Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) – Truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, Word, prayer. • Cultivate expectant watchfulness – “When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). – Keep earthly pursuits in perspective (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Strengthening the Church • Assemble faithfully and stir one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Teach prophecy responsibly, balancing urgency with sober hope. • Encourage mutual care—meeting practical needs will be crucial in turbulent times (Acts 2:44-45). • Maintain doctrinal purity; error spreads faster in crisis (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Engaging the World • Bold evangelism: the shaking of the heavens opens hearts on earth (Jude 23). • Visible compassion: good deeds silence fear-driven accusations (1 Peter 2:12). • Unwavering courage: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Living with Steadfast Hope • Look for “the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). • Comfort one another with the promise of His return and our gathering to Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). • Remember: the same Lord who shakes the heavens will create “a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). |
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