II Corinthians 6:1-2 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (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.)
This is a clear passage, and the instruction is to us all regardless of our standing in the world or whatever goes on in our life. It’s often quoted but often taken for granted. In the realm of Christianity and the condition of the soul, do not presume God will accept us whenever we decide to accept him, just whenever we get around to it. Don’t think that it only hinges on you and that God will jump on it any old time. There is an acceptance on our part. We must accept the truth of what Jesus did for us, but we must remember that God must accept us too. That acceptance doesn’t come in any old way, under any old conditions, at our own choosing, whenever or wherever or however we want.
Have you accepted the Lord in his fullness? Here’s the important question. Is God pleased with you? Are you acceptable unto God? Is how you’re living acceptable to him? Our goal as children of God should be that each day we make whatever sacrifice is needed to be accepted of God. The Bible says the time is now. Today is the day of salvation. He will accept you today. We don’t hold the cards. If we die unrepentant, it will not be God’s fault. We must come to God when he says it’s time.
God’s time frame has a narrow range. All we can do with the past is ask forgiveness for it and lay it on the altar. We can’t do a thing about the future either. Intending to get saved, intending to get revived, and intending to make things right won’t work. Do you plan to do something about it tomorrow? Do you realize that you don’t have a promise of tomorrow? God didn’t say yesterday is the day of salvation or that tomorrow is the day. He said today. Now is the time. A lot could happen between now and tomorrow. Plans don’t always go as planned. Read the newspaper. It should scare us. It’s not only a matter of our finances or our health. The signs of the time tell us to take advantage of today.
The clearly-stated conditions and time are right here in this portion of scripture. It doesn’t say at any time under any conditions you or I may state. Only those who accept Jesus on his terms go to heaven. There was an article in the paper the other day that stated that Jesus died for all mankind so everyone will go to heaven. Jesus did die for the sins of every person, but that doesn’t automatically make you saved. You can’t live in sin and for the Lord at the same time. You can’t trust the Lord and the world too. Is the Lord divided? No, he is not.
The psalmist said “let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” That should be our prayer. He clearly thought today is the time for God. The time of our acceptance is now—today. If you’re not where you should be, now is the time to get there. If you’re not saved, now is the time to be saved.
We tend to believe the opposite. Haven’t we all heard is said that “now is not a good time? Maybe I’ll do it tomorrow.” The evidence that now is the time is clear. First off, you’re alive. Today is a life-gift from God. Take advantage of it and make things right. Secondly, you are in the house of God. You’re here, not in bed, not in Walmart. Are you here out of habit or obligation? It’s far more than that. God brought you here. Thirdly, God has branded this message on my heart today. Regardless of how you think or feel, now is the accepted time. Regardless of excuses, now is the accepted time. Paul said “BEHOLD!” Stop! Look! Listen! Now is the accepted time. Today is the day. This is the day God will save you. This is the day God will revive your heart. Now is your time. Now is my time.
What about it? The time is nearer than you think that you might call and God won’t answer. The time is nearer than you think that you might cry out and God won’t hear. The time will come when God doesn’t accept. Acknowledge God today. Accept Jesus in your heart now because today is the accepted time. Will you agree with the Lord and do what needs to be done in your life?
Do it today!
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 