The Bible frequently urges believers to be prepared—whether for spiritual growth, facing trials, or Jesus’ return. Readiness is a key theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of living with intention and purpose. What does it mean to truly be ready in a biblical sense?
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Speaking Up For Yourself
What Does The Bible Say About Being Ready
Matthew 24:44
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the return of Jesus. It reminds us to always be watchful and ready, as we do not know when He will come again.
Being ready involves living a life of faith, staying faithful to God’s commandments, and being vigilant in our spiritual walk.
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
This verse urges believers to have a mindset that is constantly aware and focused on the hope and grace that will be revealed when Jesus returns. It encourages us to live with spiritual alertness and self-control.
For Christians, being ready entails cultivating a strong relationship with God, staying grounded in His Word, and eagerly anticipating the second coming of Christ.
Matthew 25:13
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
These words from Jesus remind us of the unpredictability of His return. We are called to be vigilant and watchful, always ready to meet Him.
Being ready means staying spiritually awake, avoiding complacency, and constantly seeking to align our lives with God’s will.
Luke 12:40
“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Similar to Matthew 24:44, this verse emphasizes the need for preparedness and readiness for the return of Jesus. It serves as a reminder that His coming will be unexpected and sudden.
Being ready requires a deep commitment to Christ, living in a state of constant readiness, and prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else.
2 Peter 3:14
“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”
This verse encourages believers to eagerly anticipate Christ’s return and to strive for a life characterized by holiness and peace. It emphasizes the importance of living in a way that honors God.
Being ready means actively pursuing a life of righteousness, repentance, and reconciliation with God and others.
1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
Here, Paul reminds believers to be spiritually awake and aware, in contrast to those who are spiritually asleep and unaware of the times and seasons.
Being ready entails staying spiritually alert, guarding against spiritual complacency, and actively seeking God’s guidance and will.
Mark 13:32
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that the exact timing of His return is known only by the Father. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and uncertainty of the future.
Being ready involves having a posture of surrender, trusting in God’s timing, and living every day in a way that reflects our faith in Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
This verse encourages believers to be vigilant, unwavering in their faith, and to exhibit courage and strength in the face of challenges.
Being ready means standing firm in our beliefs, resisting worldly influences, and relying on God’s strength as we face the uncertainties of life.
Titus 2:13
“While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Here, Paul reminds believers to eagerly await the second coming of Jesus, the blessed hope of all Christians.
Being ready involves living with a sense of anticipation and longing for Christ’s return, and keeping our focus on Him as we navigate through life.
Hebrews 10:37
“For, in just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”
These words serve as a reminder that although we may sometimes feel like His return is delayed, it will ultimately happen at the appointed time.
Being ready means maintaining an unwavering faith and trust in God’s promises, even during seasons of waiting and uncertainty.
2 Timothy 4:8
“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Paul expresses his confident hope in the future reward that awaits him and all who have eagerly awaited the return of Christ.
Being ready involves living with the anticipation of receiving the ultimate reward of righteousness and eternal life in the presence of God.
1 John 2:28
“And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.”
This verse urges believers to remain steadfast in their relationship with Christ, so that when He appears, they can stand with confidence and without shame.
Being ready means persevering in our faith, seeking to live lives that honor God, and staying connected to Him through prayer and Scripture.
Matthew 25:10
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.”
This parable illustrates the importance of being prepared, as depicted by the wise virgins who were ready when the bridegroom arrived.
Being ready means having a proactive and intentional faith, making sure that we are spiritually prepared for the Lord’s return.
1 Peter 4:7
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
This verse reminds believers that the end of all things is approaching, and encourages them to be spiritually awake and prayerful.
Being ready involves maintaining a constant state of spiritual awareness, being vigilant in prayer, and seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of life.
James 5:8
“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”
James encourages believers to exercise patience and stand firm in their faith, as the coming of the Lord is near at hand.
Being ready means enduring patiently through trials and tribulations, and remaining steadfast in our faith until the Lord’s return.
Luke 21:36
“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Jesus instructs His followers to be watchful and prayerful, asking for the strength to withstand the trials that will come and to be found worthy to stand before Him.
Being ready involves a commitment to prayer, seeking God’s guidance and protection, and staying spiritually vigilant in a world filled with challenges and temptations.
2 Peter 3:11
“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”
In light of the coming destruction of the present world, Peter urges believers to live lives that are characterized by holiness and godliness.
Being ready means striving for a life of righteousness, continuously growing in our relationship with God, and reflecting His love and character to the world.
Romans 13:11
“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”
Paul reminds believers of the urgency to wake up from spiritual slumber and to live in light of the imminent return of Christ.
Being ready involves recognizing the need for spiritual awakening, renewing our commitment to Christ, and living with a sense of urgency and purpose for His kingdom.
Revelation 22:20
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the sure promise of Jesus’ return and expresses the longing of believers for His coming.
Being ready involves eagerly awaiting and anticipating the Lord’s return, while faithfully living out our purpose as His disciples in the present.
Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul reminds believers that their true citizenship is in heaven, and encourages them to eagerly await the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Being ready means living with an eternal perspective, setting our hearts and minds on the things above, and anticipating the glorious return of our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
These verses describe the future event of the Lord’s return, when believers will be reunited with Him and one another.
Being ready means eagerly anticipating this glorious event, remaining steadfast in our faith, and living in a way that honors the Lord.