NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION

NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 6:2

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:2
“For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 49:8; Isaiah 55:6-7; Hebrews 3:7-8; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9-13; Luke 19:1-10; Proverbs 27:1

Description: The Gospel calls every person to respond to God's saving grace without delay because the present moment is the opportunity God has given for salvation.

INTRODUCTION

Salvation is God's greatest gift to humanity. Through Jesus Christ, God has opened the way for sinners to be forgiven, reconciled to Him and given eternal life. Yet the opportunity to respond to the Gospel must not be treated as something that can be postponed indefinitely.

Paul quotes the prophetic promise of Isaiah and applies it to the Gospel age: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” The word “now” carries urgency. It reminds us that God's invitation demands a response, and that we should not assume that tomorrow will always be available.

Many people postpone important decisions because they believe they have plenty of time. But life is uncertain, and none of us controls the future. Therefore, whenever God speaks and convicts the heart, the proper response is to turn to Him in faith and obedience today.

1. SALVATION IS GOD'S GRACIOUS INVITATION

Salvation begins with God. He loved humanity and provided redemption through Jesus Christ. No one can earn salvation by human effort; it is God's gracious gift received through faith.

a. God Loved the World (John 3:16) — God's love moved Him to give His Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish.

b. Christ Came to Save the Lost (Luke 19:10) — Jesus came specifically to seek and save those who were lost.

c. Salvation Is a Gift of Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) — We are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works.

d. Christ Is the Way to God (John 14:6) — Jesus declared Himself to be the way, the truth and the life.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus responded to Jesus when the opportunity came, and his encounter with Christ resulted in salvation and transformation (Luke 19:1-10).

2. NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME

Paul emphasises the word “now” because salvation should not be unnecessarily postponed. God's invitation is being extended in the present.

a. God Is Calling Today (Hebrews 3:7-8) — Scripture warns us not to harden our hearts when we hear God's voice.

b. Seek the Lord While He May Be Found (Isaiah 55:6) — God's invitation should be answered while the opportunity is available.

c. Today Requires a Response (Psalm 95:7-8) — Hearing God's voice demands a response rather than delay.

d. Do Not Delay Obedience (Acts 24:25) — Felix heard Paul concerning faith in Christ but postponed his response.

Biblical Example: When Jesus called Matthew, he immediately left his tax office and followed Him (Matthew 9:9).

3. DO NOT ASSUME THAT TOMORROW IS GUARANTEED

Tomorrow belongs to God. Human beings can make plans, but nobody can guarantee another day of life.

a. Life Is Like a Vapour (James 4:14) — Our earthly life is brief and uncertain.

b. Do Not Boast About Tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1) — We should not presume that we control the future.

c. Death Can Come Unexpectedly (Luke 12:16-21) — The rich fool planned for many years but did not prepare for eternity.

d. Prepare While You Have Opportunity (Amos 4:12) — Every person must be prepared to meet God.

Biblical Example: The rich fool accumulated earthly possessions but died suddenly before enjoying his plans (Luke 12:16-21).

4. DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART

Repeatedly rejecting God's voice can produce spiritual hardness. When the Holy Spirit convicts us, we should respond with humility and repentance.

a. Hear God's Voice (Hebrews 3:15) — We must respond when God speaks.

b. Repent of Sin (Acts 17:30) — God commands people everywhere to repent.

c. Turn From Wickedness (Isaiah 55:7) — The wicked are called to forsake their ways and return to the Lord.

d. Receive God's Mercy (Isaiah 55:7) — God abundantly pardons those who return to Him.

Biblical Example: The people of Nineveh responded to Jonah's warning with repentance, and God showed them mercy (Jonah 3:5-10).

5. FAITH IN CHRIST IS THE RESPONSE GOD REQUIRES

God's invitation must be received through faith. Salvation is not obtained merely by admiring Jesus, attending church or knowing about the Bible; we must personally trust in Christ.

a. Believe in Jesus (John 3:18) — Faith in Christ is central to receiving salvation.

b. Confess Christ (Romans 10:9) — Genuine faith openly acknowledges Jesus as Lord.

c. Call Upon the Lord (Romans 10:13) — Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

d. Receive Christ (John 1:12) — Those who receive Him by faith become children of God.

Biblical Example: The Philippian jailer asked what he must do to be saved, and Paul and Silas directed him to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-34).

6. SALVATION BRINGS A NEW LIFE

Receiving salvation is not merely escaping judgement; it means entering a transformed relationship with God. Those who come to Christ are called to live differently.

a. Become a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) — In Christ, the old life passes away and a new life begins.

b. Walk in Newness of Life (Romans 6:4) — Salvation produces a new pattern of living.

c. Put Away the Old Life (Ephesians 4:22-24) — Believers must put off the former way of life and put on the new nature.

d. Bear Spiritual Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) — The Holy Spirit produces Christlike character in the believer.

Biblical Example: After encountering Christ, Zacchaeus demonstrated genuine change through repentance and restitution (Luke 19:8-9).

7. THOSE WHO ARE SAVED SHOULD HELP OTHERS FIND SALVATION

The urgency of salvation should create urgency in evangelism. We have received the Gospel so that we can communicate it to others.

a. Go Into All the World (Mark 16:15) — Christ commands His followers to preach the Gospel.

b. Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) — Evangelism includes helping people become committed followers of Christ.

c. Be Christ's Witnesses (Acts 1:8) — The Holy Spirit empowers believers to testify about Jesus.

d. Persuade People About Christ (2 Corinthians 5:11) — Knowing the fear of the Lord should motivate us to reach others.

Biblical Example: Andrew brought Simon Peter to Jesus after discovering Christ for himself (John 1:40-42).

8. RESPOND TO GOD TODAY

The message of salvation demands a personal response. The most important question is not whether salvation is available but whether we have personally responded to God's invitation.

a. Turn to Christ Today (Isaiah 55:7) — God welcomes those who turn from sin and return to Him.

b. Do Not Postpone Your Decision (Acts 22:16) — Ananias urged Paul to arise, be baptised and wash away his sins.

c. Make Your Calling Sure (2 Peter 1:10) — We should examine our lives and remain established in faith.

d. Live Ready for Eternity (Matthew 24:44) — Christ calls His followers to remain spiritually prepared.

Biblical Example: The thief on the cross responded to Jesus in his final hours and received His promise of paradise (Luke 23:39-43).

CONCLUSION

“Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” God's invitation is available today through Jesus Christ. We must not presume upon tomorrow or allow sin, fear, pride or procrastination to prevent us from responding to God. The opportunity to receive Christ should never be treated casually.

If you have not surrendered your life to Christ, today is the day to respond. If you are already saved, today is the day to strengthen your commitment and help others hear the Gospel. May we never allow the opportunity God gives us today to become a missed opportunity tomorrow.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for providing salvation through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, give me grace to respond promptly whenever You speak to me, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from every form of spiritual procrastination, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, remove every hardness from my heart and make me sensitive to Your voice, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to walk faithfully in the salvation I have received, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let every area of my life that needs transformation experience Your saving grace, in Jesus name.

7. Father, give me boldness to preach the Gospel to those around me, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, use me to bring many people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

9. Father, keep me spiritually prepared for eternity and faithful until the end, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my life continually testify that Your grace has not been received in vain, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall not miss your day of divine visitation.

2. You shall respond promptly whenever God speaks to you.

3. Every power of spiritual procrastination shall be broken over your life.

4. Your heart shall remain tender and sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

5. You shall walk faithfully in the salvation you have received.

6. You shall grow continually in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

7. God shall use you to lead many people to salvation.

8. You shall fulfil your assignment and remain faithful to Christ until the end.

9. You shall not be overtaken unprepared; your life shall remain ready for eternity.

10. The grace of God shall preserve you, transform you and bring you safely into His eternal Kingdom.