What other scriptures emphasize the importance of being prepared for the Second Coming? Mark 13:32 — Our Starting Point “ But concerning that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” • Jesus places a holy question mark over the calendar, urging continual readiness rather than date–setting. Echoes in Jesus’ Teaching • Matthew 24:42-44 — “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come… For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” • Matthew 25:13 — “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” • Luke 12:35-40 — “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning… You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” • Luke 21:36 — “But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all that is about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Thief-in-the-Night Warnings from Paul • 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 — “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night… So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” • Titus 2:11-13 — “The grace of God has appeared… as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” • Philippians 3:20-21 — “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…” • 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 — “You do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will sustain you to the end…” Peter and John: Holiness Motivated by His Return • 2 Peter 3:10-14 — “The Day of the Lord will come like a thief… Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness… make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.” • 1 John 3:2-3 — “When Christ appears, we will be like Him… And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.” Revelation’s Final Reminder • Revelation 16:15 — “Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” Living Ready — Key Threads Woven Through These Verses • Watchfulness: stay spiritually awake and alert. • Holiness: pursue purity because His appearing is certain. • Hopeful anticipation: eagerly await, not fear, the return of Jesus. • Community encouragement: keep gathering and spurring one another on “all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Active service: remain “dressed for service,” doing the Master’s work until He knocks. |
    |