by esther phinias | 6 September 2024 08:46 am09
The Bible teaches us that the return of Jesus Christ is certain and imminent (Acts 1:11, Revelation 22:20). At His coming, He will gather His people, but only those who are sanctified—set apart as holy in spirit, soul, and body—will be ready to meet Him (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV).
If we are not in this condition, we risk being left behind to face God’s righteous judgment (Matthew 25:31-46).
Understanding the Condition of Readiness
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV):
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This verse emphasizes the holistic sanctification God desires—complete purity in every aspect of our being.
Spirit: The innermost part of our being, where we connect with God (John 4:24).
Soul: The seat of emotions, will, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
Body: Our physical vessel, the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
1. The Soul
Our soul includes our thoughts, emotions, and decisions. Scripture teaches that the renewal of the mind is crucial to sanctification (Romans 12:2 NIV):
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Maintaining a pure soul requires continual engagement with God’s Word (Psalm 119:11) and persistent prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). Without this, the soul becomes vulnerable to anger, bitterness, and despair (Ephesians 4:26-31).
2. The Spirit
The human spirit is where true worship and fellowship with God occur (John 4:24). It is the life-giving aspect that connects us directly to God (Romans 8:16).
If the spirit is not kept pure, a person cannot experience the fullness of God’s presence now nor be ready for His coming (Hebrews 12:14). The indwelling Holy Spirit sanctifies our spirit, enabling us to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
3. The Body
The body is described in Scripture as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV):
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
Therefore, our physical actions must reflect holiness. Impurity—such as sexual immorality, greed, and other sins of the flesh—defiles the body (Galatians 5:19-21 NIV). This kind of uncleanness must be repented of and forsaken.
True cleansing of the body is not merely physical hygiene but spiritual obedience, turning away from sin and living according to God’s commands (Romans 6:19).
The Danger of Neglect
Jesus warned that many will be found unready at His coming (Matthew 25:1-13, the Parable of the Ten Virgins). Without sanctification, believers risk being excluded from the kingdom (Hebrews 12:14).
Summary
Sanctification is not optional; it is the ongoing work of God in us, requiring cooperation through faith, obedience, and spiritual disciplines.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV):
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10)? If so, are you pursuing holiness in your spirit, soul, and body?
If you want guidance on prayer and spiritual growth in these areas, please reach out to us via inbox.
Maranatha — Come, Lord Jesus!
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2024/09/06/how-should-we-be-prepared-for-the-lord-jesus-return/
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