The Biblical Foundation for Christian Prepping

 

Introduction

In recent years, the concept of "Christian prepping" has gained traction among believers who seek to balance their faith with practical preparedness. Christian preppers turn to the Bible for guidance, finding wisdom in scripture that encourages both trust in God and the foresight to prepare for future uncertainties. This blog explores key Bible verses that support the practice of storing resources and preparing for emergencies, including references to the end times.

General Preparedness and Storing Resources

Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV)

"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest."

This verse encourages diligence and foresight, using the example of ants that prepare their provisions in advance.

Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)

"The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."

Wisdom is equated with the prudent storing of resources, highlighting the importance of being prepared.

Genesis 41:34-36 (NIV)

"Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine."

The story of Joseph in Egypt is a powerful example of divine wisdom in preparation, saving an entire nation from famine.

Proverbs 30:25 (NIV)

"Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer."

Again, the ant's behavior is used to illustrate the value of preparing for future needs.

Matthew 25:1-4 (NIV)

"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps."

This parable emphasizes the importance of readiness and forethought.

Trust in God's Provision

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

While stressing trust in God's provision, this passage also allows for balanced preparation without succumbing to worry.

End Times and Being Prepared

Matthew 24:42-44 (NIV)

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Vigilance and readiness for unexpected events are key themes in this passage.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 (NIV)

"For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober."

Christians are encouraged to remain spiritually alert and prepared for the Lord's return.

Revelation 6:5-6 (NIV)

"When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come!' I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, 'Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!'"

This apocalyptic vision underscores the potential for scarcity and the need for preparation during difficult times.

Stewardship and Responsibility

1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV)

"Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

Providing for one's family is seen as a fundamental aspect of faith and responsibility.

Luke 14:28 (NIV)

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"

Planning and preparing are portrayed as essential steps in any significant undertaking.

Parables and Teachings of Jesus

Matthew 25:14-30 (NIV) - The Parable of the Bags of Gold (Talents)

This parable emphasizes the importance of being wise and industrious with what has been entrusted to us.