Bill Wiese is urging people to consider their spiritual readiness for the return of Jesus.
Author of the best-selling book “23 Minutes in Hell,” Wiese argues there is no more important issue to settle than whether one is ready to meet Jesus.
“How could anyone deny the days we are living in?” asks Wiese. “How can anyone ignore the signs of unrest, war and deception?”
The Word of God is very clear in commanding, and warning, believers to live in a state of constant readiness and preparedness for the return of Jesus Christ.
Here are four Scriptures encouraging Christians to be prepared for Jesus’ return:
- Matthew 24:44: “Therefore you also must be ready, for in an hour when you least expect, the Son of Man is coming.” This verse highlights the unpredictability of Jesus’ return and encourages believers to be prepared at all times.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:2: “For you know perfectly that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Here, the apostle Paul reminds believers that the return of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected, underscoring the need for readiness.
- Matthew 25:13: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” This verse comes from the parable of the 10 virgins, where Jesus teaches the importance of being prepared and watchful for His return.
- Revelation 16:15: “Look, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments on, lest he walk naked and his shame be exposed.” This verse emphasizes the need to remain spiritually alert and clothed in righteousness, being ready for Jesus’ return.
Wiese’s words parallel what the Word of God says as he shares the final words Jesus told him in his 23-minute vision of hell.
“The last words Jesus said to me…was ‘tell them I am coming very, very soon,” explains Wiese.
“Now the Bible is clear that Jesus is coming back to rapture the believers, bring judgement upon the wicked and then rule and reign on the Earth. Whatever we may believe about the timing of the Rapture is not as important as if we are ready for His return,” Wiese continues.
Wiese notes that Christians must stay in a relationship with God and lead holy lives to be ready. Wiese cites the parable of the wedding feast, in which a man is turned away because he is not wearing the proper clothing, as an example of how our own work will not secure salvation.
As faith wavers across America, Wiese encourages believers in this country and around the world to heed the words of Jesus to the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:3 saying:
“Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”
“The bottom line is, if we do not obey God’s Word, we are deceived,” Wiese says.
As Satan moves through society seeking out those who will turn their ears to his corrupted versions of the gospel, Christians must heed the warnings of those like Wiese who point back to the Word of God on how to live a righteous life and be prepared for the return of the one, true King.
“Today more than ever, you must store up God’s Word to discern the times and combat lies,” says Wiese.
“The question to ask ourselves is, ‘Am I ready?'” {eoa}
James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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