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Heaven is a Prepared Place for a Prepared People
Heaven is a Prepared Place for a Prepared People
I have heard this many times from different teachers throughout the years. It is a great reminder! The great prophet, Amos, proclaimed: “‘Prepare to meet your God’”. (Amos 4:12). A hymn that is often sung as an invitation in our worship: “Are you ready?”
John the Baptist came to prepare the people of his generation for the arrival of the Messiah. The way of preparation was repentance! “ 4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” Mark 1:4 (NASB).
They, like you and me, had gone astray, taking the wrong path in life, choosing sin and being separated from their God (cp. Isa. 59:1-2). Now, they are instructed and exhorted to return. This requires a sorrow for their wayward ways and the sins they had committed. John would also demand that such be accompanied by ‘fruits worthy of repentance’, i.e., an actual change of lifestyle (Matt. 3:8).
In such a state, they were prepared to receive their Messiah King.
As you read through the New Testament, take note of how often this theme of repentance comes up! (Hint: about 50 times!). It is the path of preparation to meet your God. Are you ready?
Hugh DeLong
