Preparing Our Hearts in Holiness, Faith, and Watchfulness
The return of Jesus Christ is a glorious promise that calls every believer to prepare their heart through purity, holiness, repentance, and unwavering faith in God.
Introduction: The Promise of His Coming
The events recorded in the Holy Bible thousands of years ago are as real and meaningful to us today as the air we breathe. God’s Word is eternal, and His promises will never fail.
As we observe the world around us, we witness wars and rumors of wars, violence, unrest among nations, natural disasters, and growing uncertainty about the future.
These events remind us of the warnings Jesus gave His disciples concerning the last days.
Yet we must remember that God’s appointed time belongs to Him alone. Our responsibility is not to predict the day or hour of Christ’s return, but to remain spiritually prepared.
The question every believer should ask is this: Are we living in purity, holiness, and obedience as we await our Lord Jesus Christ?
1. God’s Call to Purity and Sanctification
The Apostle Paul reminds us that holiness is not merely an outward appearance. It is a life surrendered to God, guided by His Word and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 4:3–4 (KJV)
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1 Thessalonians 4:7–8 (KJV)
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
God calls His children to live differently from the world.
Purity begins in the heart. It is reflected in our thoughts, our words, our relationships, and our actions toward others.
We cannot claim to be waiting faithfully for Christ while deliberately embracing the very things from which He has called us to turn away.
Let us examine ourselves daily, repent of our sins, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into righteousness.
Purity is not simply a religious tradition; it is part of God’s divine calling for His people.
2. The Glorious Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The return of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest promises given to believers. The return of Jesus Christ is the blessed hope of every believer, reminding us to remain faithful, walk in holiness, and prepare our hearts for His glorious appearing.
The Apostle Paul describes this glorious event in his first letter to the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (KJV): Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 in the King James Version to reflect on the promised return of Jesus Christ.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
What a glorious promise!
The Lord Jesus Christ will return according to God’s appointed time.
For those who belong to Him, this promise is a source of hope, comfort, and encouragement.
therefore, we must not allow the troubles of this world to overcome our faith.
Instead, let us strengthen our relationship with Christ, remain steadfast in prayer, and encourage one another to walk in holiness.
3. The Signs, Seasons, and Appointed Times of God
From the beginning of creation, God established the heavenly lights to distinguish days, nights, seasons, and years.
Genesis 1:14 (KJV)
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
The heavens reveal the greatness and order of God’s creation.
Throughout Scripture, God also speaks of signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.
However, we must exercise spiritual discernment. Not every unusual astronomical event, planetary alignment, or blood moon should automatically be interpreted as a specific prediction of Christ’s return.
God has given us His Word so that we may remain watchful without becoming fearful or misled.
Matthew 24:36 (KJV)
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Our calling is to remain ready, not to calculate the hour.
4. Wars, Natural Disasters, and the Beginning of Sorrows
Our world is experiencing suffering in many forms.
We hear reports of devastating earthquakes, destructive storms, floods, violence, conflicts among nations, and divisions within families.
Human pride, selfishness, hatred, and the pursuit of worldly power continue to bring suffering into society.
Jesus warned His disciples that troubling events would occur.
Matthew 24:6 (KJV)
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Matthew 24:7–8 (KJV)
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Notice the words of our Lord: “see that ye be not troubled.”
Jesus did not give these warnings so that His followers would live in constant fear.
He gave them so that we might remain faithful, discerning, and spiritually awake.
The troubles of the world should lead us to prayer, repentance, compassion for those who suffer, and renewed trust in God.
5. Lift Up Your Heads: Our Redemption Draweth Nigh
Even in times of uncertainty, believers have a glorious hope.
Luke 21:28 (KJV)
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
These words should strengthen our hearts.
We are not called to surrender to fear or despair.
We are called to lift our eyes toward heaven, remembering that our salvation and eternal hope are found in Jesus Christ.
The things of this world are temporary, but the promises of God endure forever.
therefore, let us remain watchful, prayerful, and faithful.
6. God’s Patience Is an Expression of His Mercy
Some may ask why God continues to allow humanity time despite the evil and suffering we see around us.
The Apostle Peter gives us a beautiful explanation.
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
God’s patience should never be mistaken for indifference.
His mercy gives people an opportunity to repent, turn away from sin, and receive the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
Every day is an opportunity to draw nearer to Him.
Let us not take His patience for granted.
Let us open our hearts, humble ourselves before Him, and seek His forgiveness.
7. The Three Days of Darkness: A Call for Biblical Discernment
There has been much discussion concerning a possible future period of three days of darkness.
The Bible records darkness as a sign of divine judgment, including the plague of darkness that came upon Egypt.
Exodus 10:22 (KJV)
And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
Scripture also speaks of darkness in passages concerning the Day of the Lord.
Nevertheless, we should distinguish between events clearly recorded in Scripture and interpretations or predictions concerning future events.
The Bible does not explicitly teach that every person on earth must experience a future three-day period of darkness immediately before Christ returns.
Rather than becoming consumed by frightening predictions, let us focus on what Scripture clearly commands: repentance, faith, holiness, prayer, and watchfulness.
Whatever tomorrow may bring, those who place their trust in Jesus Christ can find strength in His promises.
8. Let Us Be Ready When Our Lord Returns
The return of Jesus Christ is not merely a subject for theological discussion.
It is a call to examine how we live today.
Are we walking in holiness?
Are we forgiving those who have wronged us?
Are we loving our neighbors?
Are we seeking God’s will rather than our own desires?
Are we preparing our hearts to meet our Lord?
1 John 3:2–3 (KJV)
Beloved, we are the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
This is the heart of our message.
Let us wait in purity for the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
Let us not be overcome by fear, distracted by worldly pleasures, or deceived by uncertain predictions.
Instead, let us remain steadfast in the Word of God, faithful in prayer, and obedient to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
To understand why humanity needs redemption and how sin entered the world, read our Bible study on Genesis Chapter 3.
As we await the return of Jesus Christ, let us examine our hearts daily, seek God’s forgiveness, and walk in the truth of His Word, remembering that our hope rests in His promises.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, giving thanks for Your everlasting mercy and patience.
Lord, cleanse our hearts from sin and teach us to walk in purity and holiness.
Strengthen our faith when the world around us is troubled.
Give us wisdom to discern truth from deception and courage to remain faithful to Your Word.
Help us to love one another, forgive one another, and prepare ourselves for the glorious return of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
May we be found watching, praying, and walking in obedience when He comes.
In the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.
God bless you.
SFJ
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