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As I write this article, I can't help but think about the
funeral I'll preach later this week, for a brother in Christ
who passed away the other day. He died unexpectedly, although
he suffered with ongoing illnesses for several years.
Be Ready
Jesus emphasizes the necessity for us to be ready. He can
return anytime, without notice, as a thief in the night
(Matt. 24:36-25:46).
Jesus also teaches us to be ready to die (Lk. 16:19-31).
At the time of our death, we will open our eyes in eternity,
in a place of comfort and rest or a place of torment.
The parable of the ten virgins illustrates the importance
of readiness, for the Lord's return and for death (Matt.
25:1-13).
- Five foolish virgins weren't ready. And five prudent
virgins were ready.
- The prudent virgins entered the wedding feast, but the
foolish virgins didn't enter. The foolish virgins weren't
given a second chance; they were kept out of the feast
forever.
- If we're ready when Jesus returns (or we die), we'll
be rewarded in heaven. If we aren't ready, we'll enter
hell.
- If we enter hell, we won't be given a second chance
to be saved; we'll be lost forever.
Stay Alert
Jesus concludes the parable of the ten virgins, saying,
"Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the
hour" (Matt. 25:13).
We know that Jesus can come at any moment, and that we
can die anytime; therefore, be alert. Be ready to die. At
the moment of our death, the last chance to correct our
lives passes away. If we are right with God, we will enter
heaven. But if we are lost in sin, we'll be eternally damned
in hell.
Peter admonishes us, saying, "Be of sober spirit, be on
the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like
a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him,
firm in your faith, . . . (1 Pet. 5:8-9).
Prepare to Meet God
To go to heaven, we must prepare to meet God. As the chorus
of the old song says, "Careless soul, O heed the warning,
For your life will soon be gone; O how sad to face the judgment,
Unprepared to meet thy God."
Are you ready to meet God? If you're a faithful Christian,
you can answer yes. If you're not a faithful Christian,
. . .
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