IT IS TIME

“Working together with Him, we also appeal to you, ‘Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.’ For He says: ‘I heard you in an acceptable time, and I helped you in the day of salvation. Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.'”

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (HCSB)

Commenting on verses 1-10, Matthew Henry writes:

“The gospel is a word of grace sounding in our ears. The gospel day is a day of salvation, the means of grace; the means of salvation, the offers of the gospel; the offers of salvation, and the present time [is] the proper time to accept these offers. The morrow is none of ours: we know not what will be on the morrow, nor where we shall be. We now enjoy a day of grace; then let all be careful not to neglect it. Ministers of the gospel should look upon themselves [as] servants, and act in [everything] suitably to that character. The apostle did so, by much patience in afflictions, by acting from good principles, and with due temper and [behavior]. Believers, in this world, need the grace of God, to arm them against temptations, so as to bear the good report of men without pride; and so as to bear their reproaches with patience. They have nothing in themselves, but possess all things in Christ. Of such differences is a Christian’s life made up, and through such a variety of conditions and reports, is our way to heaven; and we should be careful in all things to approve ourselves to God. The gospel, when faithfully preached, and fully received, betters the condition even of the poorest. They save what before they riotously spent, and diligently employ their time to useful purposes. They save and gain by religion, and thus are made rich, both for the world to come and for this, when compared with their sinful, [squandering] state, before they received the gospel.”

Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary

Focusing on the section of the verse, “Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation,” we are reminded that NOW IS THE TIME! We are prone to wonder, to move away from the marked path of life, and falter in our own plans as we take our focus off of what is important, vital to the Christ-like life. Now is the time to re-focus!

It is time for salvation. Many are lost and in need of leadership in their life. Many are hopeless and without a home. Many are fearful with no faith. They need salvation. For too long these individuals have been wondering in misery and trudged through the muck of life without thought of Jesus and the offer of free and abundant life which comes to all who will admit they are in need to something more, believe in Him, and confess Him as Savior and Lord of their lives. Today is the day of salvation! For those who need to know Christ as Savior and Lord, it is time; the time is at hand. Give your heart to Jesus, today. Now is the time!

It is time for believers to return to their first love. As we, who call ourselves by the name of Christ, go through life we often become sidetracked in our God ordained purpose and start focusing on the things of this world. Our eyes become adjusted to the darkness, taking us away from the love of our soul. We wallow in the mud, we dirty our hands, and we stain our hearts as we become comfortable playing in the ways of the world. This is why the call of revival is extended; we need to return to our first love. We need to be restored in our relationship with Christ-which is a living, breathing, life altering relationship. Now is the time to seek revival! It is time for proclaiming the truth. Due to coldhearted religion, the relationship of believers grows stale and believers give into half-truths, lies, and feelgood philosophy which clouds the minds and hearts.

The truth is substituted for a lie and hope becomes dismal. Believer’s must walk in the way of truth, live truth, speak truth so that our lives might have an impact on a society which needs truth. Now is the time!

It is time to seek the God of heaven for a life changing revival in our lives.

Consider an exercise:

• Pray for a renewed love for God, for others, for the church.
• List the names of those who need Christ, praying for them to know His forgiveness.
• What do you need to forsake, which creates a barrier between you and Christ?
• How can you better impact those around you for Christ?