Today is the Day of Salvation

Jeremy Northrop

            Death is one of the realties of life. Life is short and death is real. There is no way around it. Unless one lives to see the Day of Judgment, death will eventually happen. There is the question of when and how but there is not the question of if. Interestingly, when one reads the verses of Genesis 5, they will see most verses end with the phrase, “and he died.” Some of them lived to be a good old age, even older then anyone today will ever live. Yet, they still died. The writer of the book of Hebrews said it well, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27).

            Everyone knows he or she is going to die. As was stated previously, it is only a question of when and how. Some people die in childhood, others at an old age. Some die quickly in a car accident, others after long hard battles with cancer. Some die in the presence of friends and family while others die alone. The point is that tomorrow is not promised. Only the details of any person’s death is unknown. James said it well, “…whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Again, life is short and death is real.

            What about judgment? Life is short and there is very little one can do about it. Death is real and there is even less one can do about that. The writer of the book of Hebrews ended Hebrews 9:27 with the phrase, “…but after this the judgment.” Paul explained judgment further in 2Corinthians 5:10 when he said, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” Some have said that it does not matter what one does now, just where he or she will spend eternity. This verse teaches that where one spends eternity depends on what one does here and now.

            Thus, it all comes down to the actions each one does while he or she walks the earth. Therefore, each one must ask the question of introspection: “Do my actions please God or self?” The answer to this simple question will help one determine where he or she will spend eternity. The facts that life is short and death is real are things over which people do not have any control. But, the fact that judgment is coming is something that each one has control over. This should be the point of focus for each one’s life.

            There are things that God has commanded His people to do and other things that God has commanded His people not to do. The reality is that most people will stand condemned before God. Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). How does one make sure he or she is on the narrow way? How does one make sure his works are good?

            Proper application of the word of God requires time. It takes time to study the word of God so that one will know it accurately. Those in Berea had to take the time to study the word of God so that they could be a noble people (Acts 17:11). If one wants to make sure he or she is on the narrow way, then he or she must take the time to know the word of God.

            As Paul speaks of each one being judged according to his or her works in the flesh in 2Corinthians 5, he says something else interesting in the next chapter: “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2Corinthians 6:2). He is quoting from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. Since no one knows when he or she will die or when Christ will come again (see Matthew 25:13), then all must work to be prepared for judgment. When does one need to act on this knowledge? Now.

            Then, and only then, can one begin an acceptable life of service to God. One cannot follow the will of God while ignorant of it. Thus, all need to resolve to repent of their sins, confess Jesus, and be baptized for the remission of their sins. This needs to be done today, before it is everlastingly too late. When these things are accomplished, then one can live in faithful service to God (Acts 14:22).

            This writer pleads with the reader to consider his or her soul. Good friend, today is the day of salvation. Make yourself right with God before it is too late.