“For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” – Matthew 24:44 (BSB)
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?’” – John 11:25–26 (BSB)
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21 (BSB)
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…” – 2 Timothy 4:6–8 (BSB)
The first and most essential preparation is to repent of your sins and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “The only safe preparation for death is union with Christ. No amount of good deeds can shield us—only His cross and resurrection can make death a passage to life.” (The Christian’s Final Journey, 2021)
We prepare also by receiving the sacraments—especially Holy Communion and the ministry of confession. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) teaches, “The sacraments are God’s provision for the journey. They nourish, heal, and sustain us as we draw nearer to the day when faith becomes sight.” (Grace at Life’s End, 2020)
Preparing for death means living with a clear conscience—reconciling with others, forgiving wrongs, and making peace. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) notes, “We cannot control the day of our death, but we can control the condition of our soul. To forgive and be forgiven is to die ready.” (The Art of Holy Dying, 2021)
Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “To live as a pilgrim is to prepare for death. We hold the world loosely, we cling to Christ tightly, and we trust that to die is to go home.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)
“He who watches in prayer and walks in righteousness will not fear the grave. For him, it is the gate to glory.” – Basil the Great, Homily on the End of Life, c. 370 AD
“Let us forgive that we may be forgiven, and let us make peace while there is time. The day draws near, and we must be ready.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Mortality, c. 252 AD
“Prepare not with wealth or fame, but with faith and humility. For when you die, you take nothing with you but the cross.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Philippians 1, c. 390 AD
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
