Rediscover the Bible for Life

“Are You Prepared?”

By Dennis Lee

In February 16, 1758, Jonathan Edwards was installed as the new president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). He took over the position from his son-in-law, Reverend Aaron Burr Sr., who had past away. Edwards died the very next month and shortly thereafter the new president, Samuel Davies died as well.

The sobering reality is that all life ends in death, and that death can happen at any time. The Bible says, “It is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:17)

Jonathan Edwards, in one of the most famous sermons ever delivered entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” said that Deuteronomy 32:35 “implies that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction. As he that walks in slippery places is every moment liable to fall; he can’t foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall the next; and when he does fall, he falls at once, without warning.”

Knowing then that our end upon this earth could happen at any time should cause us to ask, “Are we prepared to meet God? Are we prepared for God’s judgment?”

There really isn’t a more important question than this one. Please understand that life is transitory, and what we do in this life is a preparation for eternity. When a person closes their eyes in death, they will open them and see either the glories of heaven, or the horrors of hell.

And so, are you prepared?

We all need to prepare for our ultimate end here upon this earth, and we should do so economically, relationally, and spiritually.

Economically we need to make sure we’ve made all the arrangements so our families are properly cared for through savings, insurance, and a last will and testament.

Relationally we need to make sure that we have made peace with everyone and that we leave nothing unsaid or undone. The Bible says, “If you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

And while these two preparations are necessary, neither will help us get into heaven. The most important preparation we can make is spiritual, that is, being prepared to meet God for all eternity.

The Bible says, “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

It’s been said we should spend a few moments every day contemplating the glories of heaven and the horrors of hell.

Jesus talked about the horrors of hell saying, “Cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30)

The Bible also talks about the glories of heaven that wait.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Therefore, are you prepared?