28 December 2 Corinthians 6

Today is the day of salvation

2 Corinthians 6:1-2(PHILLIPS) As co-operators with God himself we beg, you then, not to fail to use the grace of God. For God’s word is - ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you’. Now is the “acceptable time”, and this very day is the “day of salvation”This passage starts with the plea, as children of God, that we fail not to use the grace of God. The grace of God is available to all, but not utilised to its fullest potential. The only way we can acquire the most value from something is to utilise it to its fullest potential. The grace of God is the foundation of salvation. Salvation is not earned but is a gift freely given, by God, through His grace. It is through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ that we can receive forgiveness of sins and be reconciled with God. Our role is to accept this gift through faith, acknowledging our need for salvation and trusting in Jesus Christ as our Saviour. The grace of God is the catalyst that brings about our salvation and restores our relationship with Him.Ephesians 2:8-9(NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.Romans 3:23-24(NLT) For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.The phrase ‘Today is the day of salvation’ emphasises the urgency and timeliness of responding to God's offer of salvation. It highlights the idea that there is a sense of urgency. It encourages people not to neglect or disregard the grace of God but to recognise the present opportunity for salvation.The phrase ‘Today is the day of salvation’ conveys several key points:- Urgency: The verse emphasises that salvation is not something to be delayed or taken lightly. We shouldn't assume that tomorrow or some future time will be more suitable, as we do not know what the future holds. Therefore, we are urged to respond today; tomorrow may be too late.- God's help is available now: It signifies that God is ready and willing to extend His grace and provide the help needed for salvation today. I conclude, we are encouraged to seize the moment and make the decision to embrace God's grace and accept His offer of salvation today.