This discussion invites participants to consider what it means for Christians to prepare for the end times, weighing the balance between faith in God’s plan and practical readiness. Members are encouraged to share their perspectives on how believers can approach this challenging topic with hope and trust.
In a world filled with uncertainty, questions about the end times are becoming increasingly relevant. Many are exploring whether believers should be making specific preparations or simply strengthening their faith and trust in God. With talk of Armageddon, and numerous events stirring public anxiety, Christians are faced with the choice of succumbing to fear or leaning on faith as they seek answers in Scripture.
What do you think it means for Christians to prepare for the end times? How can we balance trust in God with a desire to be ready?
I’m not sure Christianity can survive too many more End Times false alarms. I lived through The Late Great Planet Earth frenzy and am now witnessing much the same thing. “Tribulation is coming; it appears to be on the horizon!” says the author of the article. I listen to Jan Markell of “Understanding the Times” (whom I jokingly refer to as The Rapture Lady) every Saturday just for the sheer wackiness of it all. At some point, these End Times fanatics just make themselves and Christianity look silly. I am doing precisely nothing to “prepare” for the End Times other than wishing they’d hurry up and get here,
I was a teen in the 1970s, and have the rapture trauma scars to prove it. So, no, the alarm of end times has been ringing since the Adventist of the 1800s and after 2,000 years. NADA.
I keep some canned goods backin case of power outages, a gun in case of crime. and a little cash and coin in case of natural disaster.
Hoarding in case of the end of time seems a bit useless. You can’t eat your Mountain House dehydrated lasagna if you are being evaporated by nuclear bombs.
The Scripture says:
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:44)
But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:13)
Since you look forward to these things, be diligent to present yourself spotless and blameless so that you may be found by the Lord in peace. (2 Peter 3:14)
Blessed is the faithful and wise servant whom his master will make ruler over his household, giving them their food at the proper time. (Matthew 24:45-46)
We await the appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:7)
What do we need to do to welcome the Lord in the last days?
To welcome the Lord in the last days, Scripture gives a clear call that is both sobering and hopeful. Jesus warned that His coming will be sudden and unexpected (Matthew 24:44), so the posture of readiness is essential. Readiness means a life of ongoing faith in Christ, not mere lip service, but an enduring trust that holds fast even under pressure, for “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Peter exhorts believers to be diligent, to pursue holiness, and to keep themselves “spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). This is not self-made righteousness but a life purified by the blood of Christ and shaped by the Spirit’s sanctifying work. Jesus described the faithful servant as one who obeys His will, tends to his master’s household, and provides food at the proper time (Matthew 24:45–46). That is the picture of Christian stewardship: caring for others, feeding the flock with the Word, and living responsibly until the Lord returns.
Paul frames the entire Christian life as a waiting upon Christ with eager expectation: “we await the appearing of our Lord and Savior” (1 Corinthians 1:7). This waiting is active, not passive, it is filled with prayer, witness, obedience, and perseverance.
So to welcome the Lord in the last days, one must live by faith in the crucified and risen Christ, endure through trials with steadfastness, walk in holiness by the Spirit, serve faithfully in love, and keep the eyes of hope fixed on His promised return.
Noone can be certain of the details of how the Rapture/End Times events will unfold. There may be a need to to have emergency rations on hand. Being prepared spiritually is the priority, but being able to take care of my loved ones with food & shelter is a wise back-up. My solar panels will allow my favorite Moonlight Sonata to be played on the keyboard piano if there is mayhem.
@Fritzpw_Admin, I think that we must continue doing God’s work, while having our eye also on the heavens. In other words, we have one foot already in heaven, according to the Scriptures, but the other one here obeying God’s leading according to his will through constant prayer. The Apostle Paul seems to be always aware of our heavenly and earthly existence, shown in Colossians 3:
Col 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Col 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Col 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Col 3:6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
Col 3:7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
Col 3:8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Col 3:9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
Col 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Short answer:
If you are a Christian, you’ve already done what you need to do as far as preparation. Whether ‘pre’, ‘mid’ or ‘post’ tribulation, you’re set.
What we DO need to do is be aware of what is coming.
