How to Recognise the Times and Live Ready for Jesus Christ
By Cornelius Bella
When we hear about wars, unrest, deception, wickedness and suffering, a question naturally arises: Are we in the end times?
For Christians, this question should lead us to the Bible. Headlines may draw our attention, but Scripture must guide our understanding.
The Bible speaks clearly about the last days and the return of Jesus Christ. It also warns us against deception, fear and attempts to predict what God has not revealed.
We are living in the last days in the biblical sense. However, recognising the times does not mean we can calculate the date of Christ’s return.
The practical question is therefore personal: Am I living ready to meet the Lord?
1. Understand What the Bible Means by “The Last Days”
The last days did not begin with a recent war, a new technology or a particular political leader. The New Testament already described the time of Christ and the apostles as the last days.
Hebrews 1:1–2 — KJV
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;”
This passage places the coming of Jesus within the last days. We live in the period following His first coming, awaiting His return. That gives us a biblical basis for saying that we are in the last days, without claiming to know how much time remains.
Christians differ on some details concerning the sequence of end-time events. Nevertheless, Scripture calls believers to watchfulness, faithfulness and readiness.
2. Recognise Deception as a Serious Warning
When the disciples asked Jesus about His coming and the end of the world, His first warning concerned deception.
Matthew 24:4–5 — KJV
“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
Jesus placed spiritual discernment at the beginning of His answer. Before becoming occupied with interpreting events, we must take care that we are not deceived.
A message does not become true because it is popular, dramatic or presented with religious language. A large following does not establish someone’s spiritual authority.
Ask yourself:
- Does this teaching agree with Scripture?
- Does it honour Jesus Christ and His finished work?
- Does it encourage repentance, holiness and obedience?
- Is it drawing me closer to God or making me dependent on fear and sensational claims?
Knowing the Bible helps us recognise when someone is misusing it.
3. Take World Troubles Seriously Without Treating Every Crisis as a Countdown
Jesus spoke about wars, famines and earthquakes. Yet He also explained how His followers should respond.
Matthew 24:6–8 — KJV
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Notice His words: “See that ye be not troubled” and “the end is not yet.”
These troubles belong within His warning, but a particular crisis does not, by itself, prove that we know when He will return.
Wars and disasters also involve real people experiencing real suffering. Our response should include prayer, compassion and practical help. We must not become so absorbed in discussing prophecy that we forget to love our neighbours.
4. Pay Attention to the Condition of People’s Hearts
The Bible’s description of the last days includes a disturbing picture of human character.
2 Timothy 3:1–5 — KJV
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Paul describes selfishness, greed, pride, ingratitude, cruelty and a love of pleasure that displaces love for God. He also warns about people who retain an outward appearance of religion while denying its transforming power.
This passage should make us examine ourselves.
Am I becoming more selfish? Have I allowed pleasure to take priority over obedience? Do I practise Christianity publicly while resisting God privately?
Recognising the last days should deepen our repentance and strengthen our walk with God.
5. Guard Against a Love That Grows Cold
Matthew 24:12–13 — KJV
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Jesus warned that increasing wickedness would be accompanied by love growing cold.
Repeated exposure to evil can make people cynical, bitter or indifferent. Disappointment can weaken prayer. Offence can damage fellowship. Constant distraction can gradually crowd out devotion to God.
Guard your heart.
Continue praying. Feed on the Word. Forgive those who offend you. Remain connected to sound Christian fellowship. Keep serving and loving people.
The presence of darkness around you must not become permission for your own light to grow dim.
6. Remember That the Gospel Remains Central
Jesus’ teaching about the end includes the preaching of the gospel.
Matthew 24:14 — KJV
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
The gospel is central to this passage. Jesus directs our attention to the witness of His kingdom among the nations.
While we await His return, there are people who still need to hear about Him.
Your family, workplace, neighbourhood and online platforms are opportunities to share Christ. Speak truth with love. Let your conduct support your message. Pray for people and help them understand the way of salvation.
We should be active witnesses while we wait.
7. Reject Date-Setting and Live Ready
Matthew 24:36 — KJV
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
Anyone claiming certainty about the date of Christ’s return is claiming knowledge that this passage does not give us.
Jesus’ instruction is clear:
Matthew 24:44 — KJV
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
Readiness means trusting Christ, obeying His Word and faithfully carrying out the responsibilities He has given us.
Continue caring for your family, doing your work honestly, serving in your church and using your gifts. Make responsible plans with a heart submitted to God.
Being ready for Jesus should make us more faithful in everyday life.
Are You Ready to Meet Him?
Yes, we are living in the last days as the New Testament describes them. We can recognise the warnings Scripture gives, but we cannot turn those warnings into a reliable calendar.
The certainty we hold is that Jesus Christ will return.
If you have not surrendered your life to Him, respond to His invitation today.
Romans 10:9–10 — KJV
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Turn from sin and place your trust in Jesus Christ. Salvation is received through faith in Him; it is not earned by knowing every detail of prophecy.
If you already belong to Christ, let this question renew your devotion. Examine your heart, strengthen your prayer life and remain faithful to His calling.
Are we in the end times? Scripture gives us reason to live watchfully. Are you ready? That is the question each of us must answer.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and for the salvation You have provided through Jesus Christ. Give me discernment to recognise deception and grace to remain faithful. Search my heart and lead me to repentance wherever I have become careless, cold or distracted. Strengthen my love for You and for others. Help me share the gospel and fulfil the responsibilities You have entrusted to me. Keep me watchful, obedient and ready for the return of my Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
