Does this mean we have until then to get ready?
No. We must get ready before Jesus comes back. If we wait to prepare and change our hearts until the last second, it will be too late.
Just as someone planning to go on a trip or take a test has to prepare for it, so we must use the time we have now to get ready for heaven.
Jesus used a parable to explain this:
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Matthew 25:1-13
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
The foolish virgins did not make it to Heaven because they made their priority this world, and not the Lord. When it was time to go, they weren’t ready.
The same as if you were leaving on a trip and didn’t pack, thinking you had more time. Suddenly the car arrives to take you to the airport – you’re not ready, you don’t have your clothes for the trip. You’re going to miss your flight.
It’s the same as knowing you have a test in school coming up at some point next week, and not studying for it. Suddenly the day of the test arrives, and you’re not ready for it. You’ve put off getting ready for it. So you fail the test.
God can also cut the time short. The Bible speaks of this and why there is a danger in delaying getting ready. We think we have time left, and suddenly we find out we’re out of time. At some point here very soon the work will be finished and Jesus will return, and this will happen more quickly than people think:
Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
Romans 9:27,28
For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
This is why it’s so important for us to get ready now. Because Jesus is going to come back when most people aren’t expecting it.