06/27/2026
Exhaustive teaching on the Preparation for the Rapture.
*Have you been watching the World Events lately? * It's Time to Be Ready for the Rapture!!*
But How?
The Apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1. He explains exactly how we should be prepared for the King's Arrival at all times, and exactly what it takes to be Ready for Christ's Return.
It's not about knowing prophetic timelines or setting dates, but it's all about developing and growing in the character that will keep you victorious and ready for the Lord's Return.
"Will Christ find me spiritually mature when He comes?"
Imagine receiving a phone call that Jesus would return tomorrow morning. What would you change today?
Would you pray more?
Confess sin?
Forgive someone who wronged you?
Read your Bible?
The Apostle Peter says, You shouldn't have to do anything new. You should already be living that way. The Christian who is ready for Christ's return isn't scrambling at the last minute, trying to figure out what to do. He has already been growing all along.
Can you say that today? If not, consider this message a phone call that Jesus is coming, and he could come tonight or tomorrow, or any day now. Are you ready?
As the Apostle Peter is near the end of his life, he knows it. In v 14, he informs the Saints that false teachers are invading the church, and many believers are spiritually stagnant. But instead of telling them to panic, he tells them to grow.
He starts off by telling us in v. 1 exactly whom this message is for when he says it's to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
That's the very first qualification to be called up to meet the Lord in the Air. You must be a Christian, born-again Jew, washed in the Blood of Jesus Christ. Until then, you are even in the running. You Must Get Saved Now, Today.
Then, the Apostle Peter begins to bless the Saints and reminds them of what they now have as Children of the Most High God.
He says, Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
In other words, whatever we are called to do in the Kingdom, we are fully capable of fulfilling the call, since the Father has given us everything we need that pertains to this life and our godliness.
And we have Faith, through Grace and the Knowledge of God.
What is Faith? The Greek Word is (hπίστις) pistis. It means to have conviction of the truth of anything; belief. Complete trust and
Dependence, Confidence, and Reliance upon Christ. Everything begins here.
Without faith...Nothing else can be built. Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God. Do you have Faith? Do you believe what the Disciples and Jesus have said? James tells us in James, chapter 2, verse 29, that if you believe. The demons also believe and tremble at the Truth.
But Peter tells us that we need to not only have Faith, but we need to add some things to our Faith:
The Greek word translated as "add" is fascinating.
(ἐπιχορηγήσατε) epichorēgēsate, meaning: To supply generously,
lavishly furnish, and to fully equip.
It was originally used by a wealthy citizen who financed an entire Greek chorus for a theatrical production.
Peter is saying, " Don't be stingy," but spare no expense.
Equip your Christian life with every grace God has made available. and he proceeds to list them, not in random order, but each character mentioned is the foundation for the one he mentions next. It's like building a house, and Faith is the foundation.
So, upon the foundation of Faith, Peter tells us to lavishly add:
VIRTUE - Greek: (ἀρετή) aretē, meaning Moral excellence. Courage. Noble character. A person who fulfills the purpose for which they were created. In classical Greek, it described a knife that cuts well. A horse that runs well. A soldier who fights well.
Peter is saying, Once you believe, then become what God saved you to become. Fulfill Your Calling
Why Virtue Comes After Faith?
Faith without transformed character becomes an empty religion.
Saving faith always begins with changing the person.
So, to the foundation of Faith, we've added Virtue, then to the foundation of Virtue, we add:
KNOWLEDGE- Greek: (γνῶσις) gnōsis, not merely information, but practical understanding. Growing in divine discernment. Knowing God personally. Knowing His Word. Knowing how to apply truth.
Why Knowledge Follows Virtue:
A person committed to holiness desires truth. Holiness creates a hunger. A changed heart wants God's Word.
To the foundation of knowledge, we lavishly add:
TEMPERANCE OR SELF-CONTROL - Greek: (ἐγκράτεια) enkrateia, meaning Mastery over one's desires. Power over passions. Discipline. Self-government. Not allowing emotions or flesh to control you.
Why Does Temperance follow Knowledge?
Knowledge without self-control creates pride. Many Christians know Scripture... Yet cannot control their anger, their tongues, their Lust, or other fleshly desires. Peter says... Truth must govern our behavior.
To Temperance or Self-Control, let's lavishly add:
Patience - Greek (ὑπομονή) hypomonē. One of the richest Greek words, which literally means remaining under with steadfast endurance. Patient perseverance. Continuing despite suffering.
Why does Patience Follow Self-Control?
Anyone can control themselves for a day. Spiritual maturity is maintaining self-control consistently, through years of many trials.
To the foundation of Patience, we lavishly add:
Godliness - Greek (εὐσέβεια) eusebeia Meaning: Reverence toward God. A God-centered lifestyle. Living with constant awareness of His presence. Not simply acting religious... Living before God's face.
Why does Godliness Come After Patience?
Trials either make us bitter or make us they make us better, more like Christ. Patience produces godliness.
So, to the foundation of Godliness, we add:
Brotherly Kindness - Greek - (φιλαδελφία) philadelphia, meaning: Affection toward fellow believers. Family love. Serving one another. Encouraging each other. Bearing one another's burdens.
Why Brotherly Kindness Comes After Godliness?
The closer we grow to God... The more we love His children.
To the foundation of Brotherly Kindness, we add:
Charity (Love) - Greek (ἀγάπη) agapē - The highest form of love. Sacrificial. Unconditional. Choosing another person's highest good.
The love Christ demonstrated at Calvary.
Why Love Comes Last?
Love is the crown. Everything else leads here. Faith grows... Character develops... Truth increases... Self-control matures...
Patience strengthens... Godliness deepens... Brotherly kindness expands... Until Christ-like love governs everything.
Peter's Promise - Verses 8-11 contain four incredible promises.
If These Things Abound:
1. You'll never be spiritually ineffective. "...neither barren nor unfruitful..."
2. You'll know Christ more deeply. "...in the knowledge of our Lord..."
3. You'll avoid spiritual blindness. Peter warns that those lacking these qualities become spiritually nearsighted.
4. You'll never stumble. Not sinless perfection. But stability. Steadiness. Walking faithfully.
5. An abundant entrance awaits. One of the most beautiful promises in Scripture. Peter isn't merely speaking of entering Heaven. He speaks of an abundant entrance.
Imagine one believer barely escaping destruction (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:15), while another arrives after a lifetime of faithful growth and hears, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Peter urges believers toward that abundant welcome.
What Happens If We Don't Grow? Peter gives sobering warnings.
We become: Unfruitful, spiritually blind, nearsighted, forgetful of our cleansing from past sins, unstable, vulnerable to falling. The issue isn't merely losing rewards. It's living as though the transforming work of Christ never changed us.
The Rapture Connection
Peter never says, "Be ready by predicting prophecy."
He says: Be ready by becoming like Christ. When Jesus comes, He is returning for a people who are being conformed to His image—not a people who merely know prophetic timelines.
The virtues Peter lists describe a believer whose life increasingly reflects the character of the One they are waiting for.
Closing Challenge: Let's Ask Another Question
If Jesus returned before next Sunday... Would He find me merely believing... Or becoming?
Faith begins the Christian life, and Growth prepares us to meet the King.
Today, let's begin with Faith:
Father, I believe that you sent your son, Jesus Christ, to die in my stead on the Cross of Calvary. I receive your sacrifice for Salvation, Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Savior. I will read your Word to Lead my life, with Wisdom and Understanding from the Holy Spirit, and I will remain consistent with character and fruit that prove I belong to you. Thank you for saving me, Father, in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
Now let's follow the Apostle Peter's admonishon the add to our Faith, through Grace and Power, the character that brings growth and readiness for the coming of Our King Jesus
