Therefore you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (Mat 24:44NET) For further information please contact:
Text: Š Mathew Bartlett 2013. Cover Image Š Grace21. Design by Blitz Media. Faithbuilders: A Division of Apostolos Publishing Ltd, 3rd Floor 207 Regent St LONDON W1B 3HH Further copies of this tract from www.biblestudiesonline.org.uk
The signs in our world today all point to the same fact we are nearing the end of time. The things which Jesus Christ predicted would happen immediately before the end of the world (e.g. wars, famines, terrorism, earthquakes, plagues, tsunamis) are happening right now before our eyes. Everyone needs to be ready for what is about to happen:
JESUS IS COMING AGAIN. Jesus told his followers that at the end of time he would return to earth, coming on the clouds of heaven with great power and glory to judge the living and the dead. He then told this very simple story to illustrate that we must all be ready for his coming. Ten bridesmaids were waiting for the bridegroom to arrive for a wedding. In those days, the bridesmaids were supposed to meet the bridegroom outside the town and walk with him to the wedding. If it was dark, light was provided by oil lamps. Jesus said that five of the bridesmaids were wise and five were foolish. The wise took extra oil to top up their lamps, but the foolish only had the oil that was in their lamps.
It was very late at night when the bridegroom came, and the foolish bridesmaids had run out of oil. They could not go with the bridegroom and so they missed the wedding. Only those who were ready could go. Jesus warns us to be ready for his coming at all times for we do not know when he will come again. He said, “As for that day and hour no one knows it — not even the angels in heaven — except the Father alone.” (Mat 24:36NET)
HOW CAN YOU BE READY? Jesus said that to be ready for his coming “you must be born again” (John 3:7NET). You must be sure that your sins are forgiven and that your heart is clean and pure before God. Turn from what you know is wrong and put your faith in Jesus Christ, asking him to forgive you. Only those people who turn from their sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will be ready to enter heaven.
ARE YOU READY?