A state of preparedness for future needs or happenings, whether predictable or uncertain. God through Jesus Christ prepared all that was necessary for the salvation of sinners. God's people are exhorted to be ready for warfare (physical and spiritual), death and the second coming of Jesus Christ. All humanity should be ready for future judgment.
God has prepared everything for the salvation of sinners
Matthew 22:4 A wedding banquet is often used to portray the blessings of salvation and the gathering of Jesus Christ with the redeemed in heaven. See also Luke 14:16–17; 1 Peter 1:5
Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’
Exhortations to and descriptions of readiness for war
Against earthly enemies
Joel 3:9–10 See also 1 Kings 20:12; 1 Chronicles 12:23–35, 1 Chronicles 12:33–37; 2 Chronicles 25:5; Jeremiah 51:11–12; Daniel 11:10
Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war; rouse the mighty men; let all the men of war advance and attack! Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong!’
Against spiritual forces of evil
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
God's people should always be ready
To face temptation
1 Peter 5:8 See also Psalm 39:1; Matthew 26:41 parallels Mark 14:38, Luke 22:46; 1 Corinthians 10:12
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
To face death
2 Kings 20:1 parallel Isaiah 38:1 See also Genesis 46:30; Acts 21:13
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’”
To serve
Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Peter 1:13 See also Numbers 8:11; 1 Samuel 25:41; John 9:4; 2 Corinthians 8:19, 2 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Timothy 2:21; Titus 3:1
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,
Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
To speak the truth
1 Peter 3:15 See also Proverbs 22:17–18; Jeremiah 1:17; 2 Timothy 4:2
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
For the second coming of Chirst
1 John 2:28 See also Matthew 24:42–44, Matthew 24:45–51 parallel Luke 12:42–46; Matthew 25:1–12, Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:33–37; Luke 12:35–40; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Revelation 3:11, Revelation 16:15, Revelation 19:7
And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.
All humanity should be ready for future judgment
Luke 12:47–48 This is one of many parables that Jesus Christ taught about his second coming and the need to be ready when he returns. See also Amos 4:12; 1 Peter 4:5
That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.