What does "one will be taken" signify about readiness for Jesus' coming? Scene Jesus Described “Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:40-41) What “one will be taken” Means - Indicates an immediate separation made by the Lord Himself - Points to a literal, bodily removal of the faithful when He comes (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) - Shows that outwardly similar people can have utterly different destinies; only those truly belonging to Christ are gathered to Him - Echoes Noah and Lot (Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-29): the righteous were removed from danger while judgment fell on the rest - Underscores that the event is sudden and cannot be prepared for after it begins Readiness the Phrase Demands - Continual faith in Christ—not mere association with believers - Daily obedience that flows from genuine conversion (John 14:15) - Alertness: living as though Christ could appear at any moment (Mark 13:33-37) - Detachment from worldly preoccupations that dull spiritual sensitivity (Luke 21:34-36) - Perseverance; finishing well is essential (Hebrews 3:14) Practical Ways to Cultivate Readiness - Stay in Scripture every day; let it shape thinking and choices - Regularly examine motives and confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9) - Prioritize fellowship with believers who spur you on to holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25) - Serve faithfully in the work God has assigned, whether visible or unseen (Matthew 24:45-46) - Keep earthly plans loosely held, knowing the Lord’s return could interrupt them at any moment Supportive Passages - John 14:3 — Christ promises to “take you to Myself.” - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 — “We will all be changed, in an instant.” - Philippians 3:20-21 — Our citizenship is in heaven; we await the Savior who transforms our bodies. - 2 Peter 3:10-14 — Because the day will come like a thief, live holy and godly lives. Believers who keep watch, walking in faith and obedience, will be the ones taken—gathered joyfully to the Lord the moment He appears. Those merely going through the motions will be left to face judgment. The difference is settled now, in the everyday choices that reveal a heart ready for Jesus. |
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