Perhaps you can provide some insight on what we must do to prepare for the Tribulation...
“Perhaps you can provide some insight on what we must do to prepare for the Tribulation.”
Sure. The Lord’s return has always had the possibility of happening during any generation and during anyone’s lifetime (except for the apostles who were appointed to die). His soon and imminent return only applies to the final generation of believers and is preceded by six specific signs. While many of these things are applicable to the lives of all believers in all generations, they are especially important for this last generation.
Matthew 24:4
And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.”
Because anti-Christs and false prophets will arise during the end times more than ever, Christians more than ever need to be on guard against being misled.
Matthew 24:6
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Anticipate war. Know that God is in control. Do not be afraid when it happens. I’ll add more on this at the end.
Luke 12:11-12
Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.
Anticipate persecution. Interestingly, we are told NOT to prepare what we are going to say when being taken captive.
Revelation 3:10
Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Keep God’s word and do not deny Christ now. He promised special protection to the last generation believers who have been faithful in this area.
Luke 21:19
By your patience possess your souls.
Endure suffering patiently.
Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Know God’s word. Learn to rely on the victory Christ won for us on the cross.
Matthew 24:15
Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand).
Read and study scripture, including end-times prophecy. Learn to recognize the signs of Christ’s imminent return. The abomination of desolation is one of the most important.
Matthew 24:17-18
Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.
While this is specifically directed at believers in Jerusalem and surrounding areas, the anti-Christ will launch a severe, worldwide persecution of the saints at this time. As this passage implies, be ready to run if necessary.
Matthew 24:20
And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.
Pray. Obviously. But pray specifically. Again, this is for those in Israel.
Luke 21:36
Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.
This is a more general call to prayer.
Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
Be watchful. Specifically, be looking for the Lord’s soon return.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
The context of this verse is to wait patiently for Christ’s return.
1 Peter 1:13
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Be sober minded. Do not become intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Prepare for spiritual warfare. These days will be evil days above all evil days.
1 Peter 5:9
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Resist the Devil.
Hebrews 10:25
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
As we the day of Christ’s return drawing near (by knowing and observing the signs He taught us), we should seek the fellowship of other believers. Now is NOT the time to abandon gathering with other likeminded believers as the apostles instructed.
James 5:7-8
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Another verse about patiently waiting.
Some practical things may be warranted.
Luke 22:36
Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.”
It is advisable for Christians to prepare to defend themselves. This may not be possible for all believers, everywhere. But those who can should.
Revelation 13:17
and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Expect to be unable to buy and sell without it being considered a crime. Obviously, do NOT take the mark of the beast. This may mean being ready to barter or trade in gold or silver for those who have it. It may mean storing food supplies and other things needed to survive a long period with no access to modern distribution channels for food, etc.
Revelation 6:4-8
Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”
When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.
Knowing that there will be war, disease, tremendously destructive natural disasters, we should be as ready as possible.
Matthew 24:45-51
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, “My master is delaying his coming,” and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
For those who have the financial resources or have positions of authority, this will be an opportunity to reach out to those in need.
Perhaps the biggest way to prepare is mentally and spiritually. Understanding the correct doctrine of the timing of the Lord’s return will help us to not be surprised by the difficult things we experience.