The Day of Salvation

by William Nicholson, 1862
 

"Behold, now is the accepted time! Behold, now is the day of salvation!" 2 Corinthians 6:2

Some commentators think this second verse should immediately follow the last verse of chapter 5. The Apostle quotes from Isaiah 49:8.

The advent of the Messiah was the time of God's pleasure or love — and the day of salvation was the time in which this salvation was manifested and applied. Now is the Gospel dispensation — the time when God is ready to save every believing sinner. "Behold, now is the accepted time! Behold, now is the day of salvation!"

I. Salvation was needed. For man is fallen — a rebel — and condemned, and cannot himself regain the Divine favor.

II. Salvation has been provided. By the coming of Jesus Christ — by his sacrifice — by his finished work. 1 Timothy 1:15.

III. Salvation may be enjoyed. By believing, the sinner may be delivered from the guilt of sin — an entire freedom from all condemnation — freedom from sin's domination, etc. Sanctification commences when a sinner is justified, and it is progressive, and terminates in endless glorification.

IV. Salvation is freely offered. If not, what would a poor vile sinner do? He has no righteousness of his own! Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; John 6:37; 7:37; Revelation 22:17.

V. Salvation may be enjoyed now. You have the Gospel of salvation, and can read and understand it. It is proclaimed to you, faithfully and earnestly. You have health, time, etc. but these may pass away.

There is no salvation beyond the grave! Therefore repent and believe while it is an accepted time, etc.

That this may be the case,

Pray for enlightening and constraining grace. It is the depravity of the heart which produces reluctance to enjoy salvation.

Think how soon you will be done with worldly pleasures, which to you appear more desirable than salvation. The delusion will be evident to you in death and at judgment!