The Second Coming of Christ is a pivotal event in Christian eschatology, anticipated with great hope and reverence by believers. Scripture emphasizes the importance of readiness among the saints, underscoring the need for vigilance, faithfulness, and spiritual preparedness.

Biblical Exhortations to Readiness

The New Testament is replete with exhortations for believers to be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 24:42-44 , Jesus Himself warns, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect."

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and security,' destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober."

Characteristics of Readiness

1. Vigilance and Watchfulness: The call to be watchful is a recurring theme. Believers are encouraged to live in a state of spiritual alertness, recognizing the signs of the times and maintaining a posture of readiness. This vigilance is not passive but active, involving prayer, study of the Scriptures, and a keen awareness of the spiritual and moral climate.

2. Faithfulness in Service: Readiness for the Second Coming also involves faithful stewardship of the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to believers. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the importance of using one's resources and abilities for the Kingdom of God, highlighting that faithful service will be rewarded upon His return.

3. Holiness and Purity: The anticipation of Christ's return is a powerful motivator for personal holiness. In 1 John 3:2-3 , it is written, "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

4. Encouragement and Edification: The expectation of Christ's return should lead to mutual encouragement among believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

The Imminence of Christ's Return

The doctrine of imminence, the belief that Christ could return at any moment, is a key aspect of readiness. This belief fosters a sense of urgency and purpose in the life of the believer. James 5:8-9 reminds the saints, "You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!"

Conclusion

The Second Coming of Christ is a central hope for Christians, and the call to be ready is a profound aspect of this hope. Through vigilance, faithfulness, holiness, and mutual encouragement, believers are to live in anticipation of the glorious return of their Savior, ever prepared for the moment when He will come again in power and glory.Matthew 24:44
Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 12:40
Be you therefore ready also: for the Son of man comes at an hour when you think not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ.
... second death.' After the second resurrection, second judgment, the ... hearts, 'My Lord
delayeth his coming.' Let all ... temporal and personal reign of Christ on earth ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/millers views on the second.htm

Coming to Christ
... is about; it is about the apple; and the second thought off ... very last thought he
has is about the way of coming. ... you say to a sinner, "Come to Christ, and you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/coming to christ.htm

The Church and Rural Public Thought
... is reason to believe that many of those who are teaching the second coming are inclined ...
The effect of a belief in an immediate coming of Christ as indicated ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter vi the church and.htm

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
... might be called the gospel of Christ's coming again. ... in the word of God: First, that
Christ should come; that ... Second, that the Holy Ghost should come; that was ...
/.../moody/that gospel sermon on the blessed hope/that gospel sermon on the.htm

"Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch unto Prayer. "
... this duty is to them who look for Christ's second coming.1. In ... And therefore, saints,
be sober. ... Ye ought then to be ready for Christ's coming, and not be found ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii be ye therefore.htm

The Believer not an Orphan. "I Will not Leave You Comfortless: I ...
... In this sense, the saints are not orphans. ... cast yourselves entirely upon that, and
you are saved, and Christ is yours. ... We are expecting His second coming. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the believer not an orphan.htm

In the Holy of Holies.
... Besides the coming of the Lord to His temple, Malachi also foretells His second
advent, His coming for the execution of the ... The coming of Christ as our high ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /24 in the holy of.htm

In the Holy of Holies
... Besides the coming of the Lord to His temple, Malachi also foretells His second
advent, His coming for the execution of the ... The coming of Christ as our high ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 24 in the holy.htm

The End of Christ's Coming
... Second Series Sermon 62 The End of Christ's Coming. ... We are, in the Second place,
to consider how the Son ... thing less than this for the religion of Jesus Christ! ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 62 the end of.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... To say that the believer shall not be hurt of the second death is equivalent to
saying ... James and John wanted to sit by Christ's side in the coming kingdom. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming? | GotQuestions.org

What is the second death? | GotQuestions.org

Is there a second blessing subsequent to salvation? | GotQuestions.org

Second: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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