Photo by JÉSHOOTS
on that Day: A Trilogy by Thomas Fitzhugh Sheets paints quite the impression of the coming days, yet, while it does not shy away from the world’s evils, it also speaks of hope.
Essential to universal Christian belief is the idea of the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus ascended and took his seat at the right hand of God, and when the time comes, he will return to the world and resume his earthly ministry.
It is the inevitability of grace that Christ will return, as is said in Matthew 24:27:
“For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
The Second Coming of Christ
When the great tribulation that is spoken of in Revelations ends, it is said that Jesus Christ will return. With him will be heavenly hosts of heaven that will establish his kingdom on earth, which will last for a thousand years.
The Second Coming of Christ will also be the time when the Antichrist and his followers will be cast into the Lake of Fire to suffer eternal punishment. There will be several other events that come after, but in the end, there will be a great judgment of all souls.
And after that, finally, will be the creation of a new heaven and earth, which the faithful will inhabit. A new Jerusalem will arise, and the grace of God will last forever more, and every righteous soul will be graced with its light.
This is what is written in Revelations 20-22.
The Inevitability of Grace
There is no guarantee whether or not the Second Coming will come in our lifetimes, but what is known is that there will be a long wait. This long wait has gone on for two thousand years. Perhaps Christ will return tomorrow, or perhaps he will return long after we are dead. This is why every time until then is always uncertain for Christians.
Waiting for the Second Coming can be quite anxiety-inducing, so it is important for Christians to find ways to prepare themselves whenever and wherever the inevitable may occur.
A quite reliable thing that Christians can do while waiting for the Second Coming is to study the Bible, which must always be remembered as the ultimate guide for Christians. In its hallowed pages is how to live a righteous life and prepare for Christ’s return. By studying the Bible, Christians can understand what is expected of them and how they can best prepare themselves for the inevitable.
Prayer is also another way Christians can prepare themselves. Through prayer, Christians create a connection with God, where they can seek guidance and strength. Prayer also helps calm our anxieties and fears about the coming of the inevitable. Christians have the opportunity to pray for themselves and others, asking God to help them live a righteous life and guide them in their preparations.
Living a righteous life is another essential in preparing for the Second Coming. Christians should always strive to live a life that is pleasing to God and in line with the teachings of the Bible. This means avoiding sin and temptation, treating others with kindness and respect, and seeking to do good in the world.
Christians can also prepare by sharing the gospel with others. Christians are called to spread God’s word and share their faith with others in Christ’s Great Commission. Through sharing the gospel, Christians are able to help others prepare for the Second Coming and teach them how to live a righteous life. This can be done through evangelism, mission work, or daily sharing of one’s faith.
Serving others is something understated but equally important. Jesus taught us that helping others is key to living a righteous life, and Christians should strive to follow his example. Positively impacting the world and sharing the love of Christ with those around you can be quite satisfying and help in advocating for the word of God.
Finally, Christians should trust in God’s plan. While the wait may be extended and uncertain, Christians can take comfort in knowing that God is always in control and has a plan for the future. Find peace amid uncertainty and always be ready to meet Christ when he returns.
If you are looking for more insights on how to prepare for the Second Coming and learn more about the inevitability of God’s grace, on that Day: A Trilogy by Thomas Fitzhugh Sheets is a very accessible first start.
Oliver’s Twist 