Be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

When Jesus warned us to be ready for His return at the end of the age (Matthew 24:44), He knew that many Christians with weaker faith would struggle under the pressure of persecution (Matthew 24:9) during the great tribulation (Matthew 24:15-25). Unfortunately, many will choose to worship the beast to save their lives (Revelation 13:14-15), but this will cause them to fall from grace (Mark 8:34-38). Sadly, when the angels arrive at the final trumpet call to gather the faithful to meet Jesus in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17), those who rebelled against Jesus and His church (Matthew 24:10) will be left behind (Matthew 24:37-41). They will face God’s wrath and eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 14:9-11) with no opportunity for reconciliation (Matthew 12:30-32). 

And if you’re thinking that this just can’t happen, think again! 

Jesus said this in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers." 

So, belonging to a Christian religion is no guarantee for salvation. Jesus even warned the once mighty church in Ephesus (Ephesians 1:15-16] to move away from religiosity and return to their first love, or risk losing their place in heaven (Revelation 2:5-4). 

Guys, religion doesn't save! Jesus does!

Therefore, heaven is only open to people who have a right relationship with Jesus—people who truly believe in Him (John 3:16) with their hearts (Romans 10:9) and are willing to say “Jesus is Lord” out loud (Romans 10:10). People who turn away from sin and are baptized (Acts 2:38), and who love Jesus enough to obey His commands (John 14:23-34) for all the right reasons (Proverbs 16:2). People who are willing to give up their life to save it, and save their life by giving it up. And if you want to reach this level of faith, hope, and love in Jesus so you can stay strong till the end and be saved (Matthew 24:13), the time to get ready is now.

Don't wait until it's too late!