3 Eternal Questions Every Believer Faces Before Jesus’ Return ⏳

Dezheng Yu September 22, 2025

10 3 minutes read

A person holding a lit lamp, symbolizing a believer awaiting Jesus's return. — Living with purpose in the final moments.

🕯️ The Final Exam: Will You Pass When the Teacher Returns? ✨

Most of us live our lives as if we have unlimited time. We make five-year plans, we build careers, and we worry about retirement. But the Bible tells us that history is not an endless circle; it is a line. And at the end of that line stands a Person.

Jesus warned us repeatedly that His return would be sudden—like a thief in the night, or like a master returning from a long journey unannounced.

When He splits the sky, the time for preparation will be over. The time for the “Final Exam” will begin. The terrifying reality is that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will be ready.

What will He ask you on that day?

He won’t ask about your job title, your bank account, or your political opinions. Based on His teachings in Matthew 25, every soul will face three eternal questions.

Question 1: Do You Have Oil, or Just a Lamp? (The Question of Intimacy) 🪔

The Parable: In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells the story of ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. All ten had lamps. All ten fell asleep. But when the cry rang out at midnight, only five had oil. The other five begged, “Give us of your oil.” But it was too late. The door was shut.

The Meaning:

The Lamp: Represents outward religious profession (going to church, carrying a Bible).
The Oil: Represents the indwelling Holy Spirit and personal intimacy with God.

You cannot borrow a relationship with God from your parents, your spouse, or your pastor. On that day, you either know Him, or you don’t. The most terrifying words in Scripture are found here: “I know you not” (Matthew 25:12 (KJV)).

For more on the timing of this event, read Are We Living in the End Times? A Biblical Look at the Rapture.

Question 2: Did You Bury Your Talent, or Multiply It? (The Question of Stewardship) 💰

The Parable: In Matthew 25:14-30, a Master entrusts his servants with talents (money) while he is away.

Two servants invested and doubled the money.
One servant buried it in the ground out of fear.

When the Master returned, the one who buried his gift was called “wicked and slothful” and cast into outer darkness.

The Meaning: Your life, your gifts, your money, and your children do not belong to you. You are a Manager (Steward), not an Owner. The question isn’t “How much did you have?” but “What did you do with what I gave you?” Did you use your life to build His Kingdom, or did you bury it in the soil of worldly comfort?

For more on leading your family well, read Is Your Family Spiritually Drifting? How God Calls You to Be the Leader.

Question 3: Do You Love His Appearing? (The Question of Affection) 👑

The Scripture: The Apostle Paul, at the end of his life, looked forward to a “crown of righteousness” which the Lord would give to “all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV)).

The Meaning: This is the heart check. Do you actually want Jesus to come back? Or are you secretly hoping He waits because you are too in love with this world?

Lot’s wife looked back because her heart was in Sodom.
The Bride looks forward because her heart is with the Groom.

If you are comfortable in Babylon, the return of Christ feels like an interruption. If you are a citizen of Heaven, it feels like a liberation.

For more on the danger of loving the world, read Why Did the Angel Throw a Millstone Into the Sea?.

Part III: 3 Common Misconceptions About Readiness 💡

Misconception 1: “I prayed a prayer once, so I’m safe.”

Correction: Salvation is a relationship, not a ticket. The foolish virgins thought they were part of the wedding party, but they lacked the essential oil. True faith produces fruit and endurance.

Misconception 2: God is too loving to judge.

Correction: God is Love, but He is also Holy. In every End Times parable, there is a clear separation (Sheep vs. Goats, Wheat vs. Tares). He loves us enough to warn us now so we don’t face judgment then.

Misconception 3: Predicting the date is a sign of readiness.

Correction: Jesus explicitly forbade date-setting. Readiness isn’t about knowing when He is coming; it’s about living as if He is coming today.

Conclusion: Check Your Lamp 🌟

Are you ready for the King?

These three questions are not meant to scare you; they are meant to prepare you. The Master is coming. The trumpet is polished. The door is still open.