THE DAY OF SALVATION IS NEARER THAN WE THINK

Proclamation:

“… The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.  So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”  Romans 13:11-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.  Paul began this chapter by telling them to obey those who had governing authority over them because God has established them. (Romans 13:1-2)  That is also why he tells them that they should pay taxes and pay their debts. (Romans 13:6-8)  Then he encourages them to fulfill the law of love. (Romans 13:8-11)  Here, he says that the day of salvation is near.  It is time for them to put off their evil ways, put on the armor of God, and to clothe themselves in Jesus, The Christ. (Romans 13:12-14)

Application:

As the saying goes, “Wake up, it’s later than you think.”  The end of our time on this earth is almost here.  We need to turn from our sinful ways and pray, and seek His face (2 Chronicles 7:14) while we can for once the day of salvation comes and the grave has called it will be too late. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)  We need to seek Him while He can still be found (Matthew 7:7) because there will come a time when it will be too late. (Proverbs 1:28)  We need to put on the whole armor of God now. (Ephesians 6:11-18)  Don’t put off for tomorrow that which should be done today, for tomorrow is not promised to you.