THE TIME FOR CHRIST TO STAND IS NEAR.

We must understand what time we are in right now and what lies ahead. In short, Christ is currently in heaven, seated on His throne of grace. This means that the door of grace remains open to anyone who chooses to enter at any moment. However, this season is not indefinite. There will come a time when this door will close.

Theological Context:
The concept of grace is central to the Christian faith. Grace refers to God’s unmerited favor toward humanity. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God, not based on human effort, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross made this grace available (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV).

Revelation 3:20 (NIV):

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
This verse symbolizes the current period of grace in which Christ is calling people to salvation. But we must also be aware that this window of opportunity is not open forever.

However, the alarming part is that the Bible has already prophesied that a time will come when Christ will stand up from His throne. When He stands, something significant follows: He will close that door, which has been open for so long.

Zechariah 2:13 (NIV):

“Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”

This passage speaks of a time when God will act decisively in judgment, and the period of grace will come to an end. The “silence” is a prophetic sign that when God acts, there will be no further room for repentance, and the doors will be shut.

Theological Context:
The end of grace signifies the close of the “church age” and the beginning of a time of judgment. This is where the distinction between the “already” (Christ’s first coming) and the “not yet” (Christ’s second coming) comes into play. While grace is available now, the time is coming when God will no longer extend this grace, and judgment will follow.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 (NIV):

“For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.”

This passage speaks of the restraint placed on sin and lawlessness by the Holy Spirit through the church. When the Holy Spirit is withdrawn (which will happen during the rapture), sin and lawlessness will reach their peak, and the door of grace will close.

Luke 13:24-27 (NIV):

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’
But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’
But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'”

This passage, from the Gospel of Luke, underscores the urgency of entering the narrow path of salvation while the door remains open. The closed door is a symbol of the finality of judgment. When Christ returns, there will be no second chance for salvation.

Theological Context:
This parable aligns with the doctrine of the “Final Judgment.” It emphasizes that salvation is a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s not about superficial association but about true faith and transformation. The “eating and drinking” and “teaching in our streets” reflect religious familiarity, not authentic repentance or personal commitment to Christ.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV):

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

This verse contrasts the broad road (representing worldly living and sin) with the narrow road of salvation, which is through Christ alone. Jesus makes it clear that salvation is not universal; only those who truly follow Him will be saved.

The time is near. If you are still outside of salvation, don’t think it’s too far away. Each passing day brings us closer to the final day of Christ’s return. What seemed distant yesterday is closer today.

This is a wake-up call: time is running out. The opportunity to choose salvation and enter through the narrow gate will not be open forever.

Romans 13:11-12 (NIV):

“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. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.”

Christ’s return will be sudden, and for those who are unprepared, it will be too late. This is why it’s essential to make a decision now, while the door of grace is still open.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV):

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Salvation is available freely, through grace. It costs nothing but requires faith in Jesus Christ. The door is open, but the time to enter is limited.

How to Respond:

If you haven’t yet received salvation, now is the time to make a decision. To follow Jesus, you must first decide, with all your heart, to follow Him. This decision includes turning away from sin.

1 John 1:9 (NIV):

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Many people want Jesus, but they are not willing to forsake their sin. Yet, we must make a clean break from our old life. When you are ready to say, “The world is behind me, and Christ is ahead of me,” He will immediately enter your life.

When God sees this determination in your heart, Christ will come into your life. The next step is to kneel and confess all your wrongdoings to Him, then ask for forgiveness with a truly repentant heart. If you do this sincerely, peace will fill your heart, which will serve as proof of your repentance.

Romans 10:9 (NIV):

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

This is the first step. The second step is baptism the public declaration of your faith in Christ. Find a church that practices proper baptism, according to Scripture (i.e., full immersion in water in the name of Jesus, Acts 2:38).

Acts 2:38 (NIV):

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”

Baptism is an outward expression of the inward transformation that Christ has brought about in your life. Once you are baptized, the Holy Spirit will empower you to walk in the newness of life.

Finally, it’s your responsibility to seek fellowship with other Christians and attend church regularly so that you can grow in your salvation. You must also wait eagerly for the day when Christ will return to take us to be with Him.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV):

“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.”

Theological Context of Grace and Judgment:
The time of grace is currently available, but judgment will come. The doctrine of the Rapture speaks of the moment when Christ returns to take His church, the faithful, from the earth before the tribulation and judgment. After this, the door to salvation will be closed.

As long as grace is still available, remember that the time is short. The door is open, but it won’t remain open forever.

Revelation 3:20 (NIV):