Google defines a prepper as a person who believes a catastrophic disaster or emergency is likely to occur in the future and makes active preparations for it. Typically by stockpiling food, ammunition, and other supplies. Christians should be like unto these people but not in the sense of preparing for something that only may happen. Or by stock pulling goods that only have a purpose in this life. No, but God’s people should always be prepared for the rapture that scripture says is looming just beyond the horizon.
It may sound odd to call Christians to become their own version of a prepper. But that is just what scripture says we are to do. By making it clear that every Christian should always be prepared for the Lord’s return. Unlike the five virgins who were not prepared for the bridegrooms coming.
Matthew 25:5–12 (ESV)
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
Jesus used this parable to illustrate that the church will have no way of knowing when He will come. But that we should do everything we can to be prepared for when he does come. Living in such a way that whenever he does come nothing will keep us from going with Him.
Matthew 25:13 (ESV)
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Jesus also warned that it would be like in the days of Noah where many people lived life as normal until the floodwaters came. Again teaching that at any moment even when life seems completely normal everything can change for the final time.
Matthew 24:36–39 (ESV)
36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
The preppers those who live their life’s ever ready for the Lord’s return will be taken. While those who were not prepared will be left behind forced to suffer the tribulation. It will happen in an instant, the twinkly of an eye, and the time to live right will be passed. Time to change will be no more and you better not count on it happening after Sunday service.
Matthew 24:40–41 (ESV)
40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.
1 Corinthians 15:52 (ESV)
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
That’s why it is so important that for you to become a Christian prepper now. While there is still time to make a change in your life. The Lord is going to come back that much is guaranteed. But the only way you can guarantee you will go with Him when he comes is by always being prepared for His return.
Which means keeping a watchful eye over oneself. Following the very teaching of Jesus Christ. Making sure we do not give ourselves over to sin and that we do not become overly attached to the things of this world. All the while praying and seeking God’s help to keep us on the right path.
Luke 21:34–36 (ESV)
34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The goal of the Christian life is of course to keep from sinning. But we know that we will at times still fall into sin and that God is willing to forgive us for those sins when we turn to Him in repentance. To be a prepper you must be mindful of this and not wait to seek forgiveness. In fact, you should almost be falling to your knees in prayer before they have even finished sinning.
1 John 2:1 (ESV)
1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
However, being a Christian prepper goes beyond just being quick to repent. Those who want to live always prepared for the Lord’s coming must know that those who make a practice of sinning do not know God. As well as the fact that those who live a lifestyle of sin will not gain entrance into Heaven. Then live in a way that honors those scriptural truths by doing your best to not consistently repeat the same sins regularly.
1 John 3:6 (ESV)
6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (ESV)
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Prepper may be a modern word not found within the pages of our Bibles. But it perfectly captures what scripture calls us to be in regards to the way we should live. Always ready for the day that Jesus will return for His people. Every Christian needs to make the decision to become a prepper while they still can so they will undoubtedly be ready when that day comes.
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