Based on the writings of Ellen G. White, living for the second coming of Christ involves a combination of a hopeful attitude, a righteous lifestyle, and a focus on the salvation of others. It is described as the "very keynote of the Sacred Scriptures" (GC 299). Here are key aspects of how to live in preparation for Christ's return: ### 1. Maintain a Hopeful and Watchful Attitude The belief in Christ's return should be a source of joy and comfort, not fear. This "blessed hope" should be a frequent topic of thought and conversation. * **A Joyful Hope:** Richard Baxter is quoted, saying, "The thoughts of the coming of the Lord are most sweet and joyful to me" (GC 303.4). * **Constant Expectancy:** Believers are encouraged to maintain an attitude of constant readiness. Jesus warned against the mindset of the "unfaithful servant who said, ‘My lord delayeth his coming’" (From the Heart, 375). * **Look for the Signs:** When the signs of His coming appear, Jesus said, "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (DA 632.3). ### 2. Live a Godly and Sober Life Preparation is not a passive wait but an active transformation of character. This involves aligning one's life with God's will. * **Righteous Living:** We are exhorted to "live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world" while "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Reflecting Christ, 246). * **Practical Holiness:** This preparation includes "bringing our appetites and passions into subjection to the will of God and showing in our lives the fruits of holiness. We must deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God" (Signs of the Times, November 10, 1887). * **Obedience:** Christ will come to "honor those who have loved Him, and kept His commandments, and to take them to Himself" (DA 632.3). ### 3. Focus on the Salvation of Others A primary purpose for those awaiting the second coming is to share the warning and hope with the world. * **Supreme Purpose:** The "one supreme purpose of every individual at this time should be to live a blameless life in Christ, and to devote every resource at command to the salvation of the lost" (LS 468.2). * **Self-Sacrificing Love:** "The spirit of Christ's self-sacrificing love is the spirit that pervades heaven... And it must be our spirit, if we would be fitted to join the society of the angelic host" (Signs of the Times, November 10, 1887). ### 4. Avoid Worldliness A focus on the second coming naturally leads to a re-evaluation of earthly priorities. * **Separation from the World:** "Looking for the soon appearing of our Lord will lead us to regard earthly things as emptiness and nothingness" (6T 406.2). * **Warning Against Distraction:** Ellen White warned that being "Absorbed in worldliness and pleasure-seeking" could blind people to the signs of Christ's appearing, just as it did in the past (GC88 308.5). ### A Caution Against Date-Setting While believers are to be watchful, they are warned not to set specific dates for Christ's return. * **A Divine Mystery:** "The exact time of the second coming of the Son of man is God's mystery" (DA 632.4). Christ Himself told the disciples that He could not make known the day or the hour.