Preparing for Jesus' Second Coming: A Guide

Preparing for the glorious second coming of Jesus is a vital and deeply meaningful endeavor for all who seek to meet Him in peace. It involves a holistic transformation of heart and life, rooted in God's truth and dedicated service.

Key Steps to Prepare for Jesus' Second Coming

To be truly prepared for the Lord's return, we are called to embrace several essential aspects of faith and practice:

• Diligent Work and Spiritual Exercise

  We are called to be diligent workers, for idleness, especially in the great work Christ gave His life to accomplish, leads to spiritual decline. Our spiritual faculties thrive on exercise, and it is Satan's design for them to perish if left unexercisedChS 84.4+1. All heaven is actively engaged in preparing a people for Christ's second coming, and we are called to be "laborers together with God"ChS 84.4+1. Our time to work is now, as the end of all things is at handChS 84.4+1.

• Personal Consecration and Heart-Holiness

  Personal consecration is absolutely necessary, and this cannot be achieved unless heart-holiness is diligently cultivated and cherishedRH October 2, 1900, par. 5+1. We must strive day by day, little by little, to make preparations for the glorious change at Christ's coming. This means diligently working to remove our defects of character and allowing ourselves to be fashioned after the similitude of a palace, pure and holy4LtMs, Lt 60, 1886, par. 15. Now is the day of preparation, the time to confess and repent of sins, and to seek pardon4LtMs, Lt 60, 1886, par. 15.

• Obedience to God's Commandments

  A key aspect of preparation is living in obedience to God's laws6T 224.3+1. The third angel's message, which prepares for the Lord's coming, brings to view the work of reform on God's law, specifically leading men to the true Sabbath in place of the counterfeitFP1872 11.2+1. Those who keep God's commandments and the faith of Jesus are identified as the saints Revelation 14:12ARSH December 16, 1858, page 30.22. We must embrace the truth of the fourth commandment (the Sabbath) as binding, just as the other nine commandments areARSH May 1, 1855, page 223.9+1.

• Temperance and Self-Control

  Indulgence of a depraved appetite can destroy the fine feelings of the soul and affect reasoning powers, causing spiritual and holy things to lose their sacrednessTe 149.2+1. To prepare for Christ's second coming, we must learn temperance and self-control, holding appetites and passions in subjection to the higher powers of the mindHLv 59.6. This self-discipline is essential for mental strength and spiritual insight, enabling us to understand and practice God's WordHLv 59.6. Meat eating will eventually be done away with among those waiting for the Lord's coming, and we should steadily work toward this goalSUFF 1.1.

• Proclaiming the Advent Message

  Our work of heralding the second coming of Christ is similar to John the Baptist's work of preparing the way for Christ's first advent13LtMs, Ms 173, 1898, par. 5. We are to proclaim the message: "The great day of the Lord is near. Prepare to meet thy God" Zephaniah 1:14+113LtMs, Ms 173, 1898, par. 5. The first, second, and third angels' messages are crucial for preparing humanity for this event7BC 978.11+1. This involves proclaiming the everlasting gospel, emphasizing God's judgment, and warning against Babylon's fall and beast worship Revelation 14:6-12LIFIN 218.2+1. This message is the last, closing message of mercy to the worldGNT 114.1+2.

• Studying God's Word and Prophecy

  There is a great need for studying the Word of God, as it is through this study that the message of Christ's righteousness is sounded to prepare the way of the LordRH July 22, 1909, par. 14. By searching the Scriptures with diligence, we can ascertain the signs of the times and understand our imperative duty to prepare for earth's last dramaARSH November 3, 1859, page 186.1. The prophetic messages, including those in Daniel and Revelation, are designed to awaken a spirit of inquiry and watchfulnessARSH November 3, 1859, page 186.1.

• Cultivating the "Advent Spirit"

  We are not only to believe that the end of all things is at hand but also to be filled with the "advent spirit." This spirit ensures we are ready to meet the Lord, whether working, building, or preaching10MR 388.3. It is an intense desire for Him, inspiring holy impulses that separate us from the spirit of the worldARSH January 10, 1854, page 204.2.

• Avoiding Delusions and Fanaticism

  It is important to be aware of and reject anything that brings confusion or weakens zeal for the great work God has given us23LtMs, Lt 338, 1908, par. 8. This includes avoiding new revelations or fanatical movements that deviate from clear Bible testimonyHST July 10, 1844, page 179.2+1. False prophets and those who claim "special illumination" should be guarded against1SG 11.2+1. The truth of the sanctuary, the third angel's message, the Sabbath, and spiritual gifts are further developments of the same great system of truth, not additions or departures from the original Advent faithARSH August 9, 1864, page 84.6+1.

• Impact on Character and Life

  The Advent doctrine, when truly embraced, awakens the conscience and leads to the highest state of Christian holiness as preparation for Christ's returnHST July 17, 1844, page 188.12. It fosters self-abasement, a weaning of affections from worldly things, confession of wrongs, and a breaking down before GodSCOC 73.1. It also helps to reveal any worthless elements in our faith, ensuring that only true believers remain firmLS80 190.1.

The signs of Christ's second coming, such as murders, robberies, railway accidents, and violence, tell us that the end of all things is at hand, urging us to prepare nowLDE 23.5+1. The Lord's coming is not an uncertain, distant event, but a vivid reality, and multitudes will be caught unawares if they do not prepareWIEX 1.1. May we all be found watching, praying, and working, ready to enter through the gates into the city Revelation 22:14RH October 2, 1900, par. 5+1.