THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION

Mark 13:35–36 KJV 1900

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION

The great lesson for us to learn from this text is that we should always be ready for death.

This tabernacle must be dissolved.

We should be ready for that event.

Since so much has been done for man, preparation is possible.

If preparation is not made, the results will be sad.

If the soul is prepared, the results will be magnificent.

I. PREPARATION IS POSSIBLE

1) Provisions have been made for our instruction.

(b) Bible; (c) Holy Spirit; (d) Ministry of angels; (e) Ministry of good people.

2) Provisions have been made for our cleansing.

Blood of Christ.

3) Provisions have been made for our spiritual development.

Laws of growth (conditions can be complied with).

II. PREPARATION MUST NOT BE NEGLECTED

1) Death is a sad event for those who neglect their soul.

2) His condition is miserable—“Weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth”—Pangs of a guilty conscience.

—Remembrance of

(a) Great salvation neglected;

(b) Good that might have been done;

(c) That his condition might have been better.

3) He finds himself unfit for Heaven.

(a) Impure;

(b) Not prepared for the higher service;

(c) Not in harmony with celestial surroundings (no kindred spirit there).

4.) A hopeless state—No second chance—Lost forever.

3. PREPARATION RESULTS IN GLORY

1) Death for the Christian is a wonderful event.

Beautiful scenes meet his eye—A glorified Christ—A beautiful home—Saints in glory.

2) Death for the Christian brings joy.

Fullness of joy—Perfect peace—Endless bliss.

3) When a Christian dies he finds himself prepared for heaven.

The preparatory course has been taken:

(a) Prepared for higher service

(b) In harmony with celestial surroundings

(c) Finds kindred spirits there—Heaven is home for the saints.

How careful we should live, ever seeking that preparation that is necessary.

Nothing else can take its place.

No grand funeral nor eloquent funeral address by some eloquent speaker, nor flattering obituary written by some friend, can take the place of that preparation that should have been made.