The Evangelist 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he said, I have heard you in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored you: behold, now is the accepted time… I. THERE IS A SALVATION SO IMPORTANT THAT IT GIVES ITS NAME TO A WHOLE PERIOD CALLED A DAY, but signifying all the era through which that salvation is made accessible to us. It is called, by way of eminence and distinction, "the day of salvation." 1. The salvation which marks this day is the salvation of the soul. Not the salvation of a captive, a criminal under a human law — not of a hopeless patient from a bodily disease — not of an empire — but the salvation of the immortal soul. Men do not believe that their souls are in this danger; they make a mock of sin. 2. Consider that this salvation is effected expressly and exclusively by the power and grace of God. To Him belongs the entire glory of it, and it is His grace that makes any period of our lives a day of salvation. He is therefore the author of eternal salvation. All the resources necessary for carrying it into effect were of God, and not of us. 3. But we ought more particularly to notice Him on whom devolved the work of salvation — who is described by the name of our Saviour, and to whom the honour of it will be for ever rendered. 4. It is necessary to observe that all the effects of this salvation are eternal, all the blessings it confers are for ever, the felicity to which it brings us is immortal. The effects of it will not only extend to, and penetrate through eternity, but they will give a character to that eternity. II. THAT THIS DIVINE BLESSING HAS GIVEN A CHARACTER AND A NAME TO A PERIOD OF OUR TIME, HERE CALLED THE DAY OF SALVATION. 1. It signifies the day or time when salvation is attainable by us — when it is revealed and published, or urgently set before us. In this sense it seems to be used by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 49:8; lit. 7; 62:1), as quoted by the apostle Paul. 2. The gospel age may indeed be more emphatically designated the day of salvation, since the doctrine of salvation by a crucified surety and Saviour has been more fully illustrated and proclaimed, and since there has been no lack of those means which might encourage and help us all towards the attainment of the happy consummation. It is light that makes the day as distinguished from the night. The night of Judaism is past, it has been succeeded by a clear shining of the light of life, which makes ours indeed a day of salvation. 3. Times of special privilege when salvation is brought near to us. 4. We may especially denominate the Sabbath the day of salvation. It rises up most resplendent with this heavenly light. III. CONSIDER, IF GOD HAS GIVEN US THIS DAY OF SALVATION, AND WE NOW ENJOY IT, THERE IS SOMETHING FOR US ALL TO DO. We must execute the work of salvation in the day of salvation. 1. The day of salvation requires faith in the blessings then brought nigh. "This is the work of God, that ye believe in Him whom He hath sent." 2. The day of salvation requires of you diligence, haste, serious application without delay to this work which you have to do. IV. OBSERVE, THE DAY OF SALVATION WE ALL ENJOY NOW MUST HAVE AN END. (The Evangelist.) Parallel Verses KJV: (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.) |
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