living in the light of Christ's return. J. C. Ryle

I am afraid that the subject of the second coming of Jesus is not sufficiently thought of and studied by many Christians. I must say that the greater number of believers are not like the early Christians in this matter. The early Christians made it a principal part of their religion to look for the second coming of Jesus. They looked backward to the cross and the atonement and rejoiced in Christ crucified. But they also looked forward to the coming of Christ and lived in a state of expectation.

The New Testament continually presses upon believers the certainty and suddenness of the return of Jesus. Again and again we are exhorted, keep watch, be ready, be alert, These are not gentle suggestions, but urgent commands from the lips of our Lord.

1. Keep watch. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. To keep watch is to live with eyes lifted heavenward, weighing every choice in the light of eternity. The world lulls souls to sleep with its vanities, but the Christian must remain awake. knowing that at any moment the skies may part and the Son of Man may appear. Let us live like men who believe in the reality of hell and heaven, the near coming of Christ, the value of the soul, the vanity of this world, and the importance of holiness. Our time is short. Our days are numbered. We are on our way to the final judgment.

Two, be ready. You also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. To be ready is to have our sins forgiven, our hearts cleansed, and our lamps filled with oil. It means walking in daily faith and repentance, clinging to Jesus, and living as pilgrims bound for glory. The great question is whether we have saving grace in our hearts. Whether we have been born again and are ready to meet the bridegroom, the saddest sight in the day of Christ's appearing will be unready professors with lamps gone out and no oil to be found.

Three, be alert. Be on guard, be alert. You do not know when that time will come. Alertness is the vigilance of a soldier who knows the enemy is prowling around him. It is to resist sin, redeem the time, and serve faithfully as stewards who long to hear, Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your master's happiness. Nothing is of such importance as to be found in Christ when He comes. Riches, rank, health, honors, pleasures, all will be worthless then. To be a true servant of Christ, ready for His appearing, this will be the only thing that matters.

Keep watch, be ready, be alert. Let us live wisely, walk in holiness, and long for His appearing. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. Even so come, Lord Jesus.