If He Were To Return Today

Prepare to meet your God… Amos 4:12.

Let us begin by considering why it seems that God has delayed his promise.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9.

It is necessary to understand that, for our sake, God still has not fulfilled His promise. We have lost sight of the heavenly things because of the earthly ones. The visible has covered the invisible.

We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world, but it is the purpose of the adversary of souls to lead us to put far off the close of time. Satan will in every conceivable manner assail those who profess to be the commandment-keeping people of God and to be waiting for the second appearing of our Saviour in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will lead as many as possible to put off the evil day and become in spirit like the world, imitating its customs. *1

Our sovereign God knows the exact date and time in which this world will come to an end. We may not have the power to change the circumstances of this world, but our preparation and that of those around us is part of this chain of events leading to the soon return of Jesus.

In consideration of the shortness of time we as a people should watch and pray, and in no case allow ourselves to be diverted from the solemn work of preparation for the great event before us. Because the time is apparently extended, many have become careless and indifferent in regard to their words and actions. They do not realize their danger and do not see and understand the mercy of our God in lengthening their probation, that they may have time to form characters for the future, immortal life. Every moment is of the highest value. Time is granted them, not to be employed in studying their own ease and becoming dwellers on the earth, but to be used in the work of overcoming every defect in their own characters and in helping others, by example and personal effort, to see the beauty of holiness. God has a people upon the earth who in faith and holy hope are tracing down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy and are seeking to purify their souls by obeying the truth, that they may not be found without the wedding garment when Christ shall appear.* 1

But what if the Lord were to come today. Are we were ready? Carefully consider this series of questions that the servant of the Lord makes.

Suppose that today Christ should appear in the clouds of heaven, who…would be ready to meet Him? Suppose we should be translated into the kingdom of heaven just as we are. Would we be prepared to unite with the saints of God, to live in harmony with the royal family, the children of the heavenly King? What preparation have you made for the judgment? Have you made your peace with God? Are you laboring together with God? Are you seeking to help those around you, those in your home, those in your neighborhood, those with whom you come in contact that are not keeping the commandments of God?…Are we getting ready to meet the King? *2

Now is the time to prepare. Just as people prepared in the past for the day of atonement, we should prepare for the glorious meeting with Christ Jesus.

If it were possible for us to be admitted into heaven as we are, how many of us would be able to look upon God? How many of us have on the wedding-garment? How many of us are without spot or wrinkle or any such thing? How many of us are worthy to receive the crown of life?…Position does not make the man. It is Christ formed within that makes a man worthy of receiving the crown of life, that fadeth not away. *2

What should we be doing now? We are doing so little yet we are satisfied.

…“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Matthew 16:24-27.

It is clear what the Lord demands of us and compared to the greatness of heaven it is insignificant.

I was pointed to the remnant on the earth. The angel said to them, "Will ye shun the seven last plagues?…If so, ye must die that ye may live. Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye must have a greater preparation than ye now have….Sacrifice all to God. Lay all upon His altar--self, property, and all, a living sacrifice. It will take all to enter glory." * 2

There are many things that make us lose sight of heaven. I do not know why we desire to remain in this world when we consider the greatness of what God offers us.
But rest assured that the end is near. If He were to come today, would you be ready?

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

1 * Maranatha, "84. Why Probation Lingers," Ellen G. White
2 * Maranatha, "90. Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready!", Elena G. White