Topical Encyclopedia The concept of salvation is central to Christian theology, representing the deliverance from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ. The phrase "Now is the day of salvation" underscores the urgency and immediacy of accepting this divine gift. This entry explores the biblical foundation and theological implications of this concept.Biblical Foundation The phrase "Now is the day of salvation" is derived from 2 Corinthians 6:2, where the Apostle Paul writes, "For He says: 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation." . This passage emphasizes the present opportunity for individuals to receive God's grace and be reconciled to Him. Paul's exhortation is rooted in the prophetic words of Isaiah 49:8, which speaks of God's promise to restore and redeem His people. By quoting this Old Testament prophecy, Paul highlights the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ, urging believers to respond without delay. Theological Implications 1. Urgency of Response: The declaration that "now is the day of salvation" conveys a sense of urgency. It calls individuals to immediate action, recognizing that the opportunity for salvation is available in the present moment. This urgency is echoed throughout the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to respond to the gospel promptly (Hebrews 3:15). 2. Divine Initiative: Salvation is portrayed as a divine initiative, a gift from God that requires human response. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." . The present availability of salvation underscores God's active role in reaching out to humanity. 3. Continual Availability: While the call to salvation is urgent, it is also continually available as long as the present age endures. The "day of salvation" is not limited to a single moment in history but extends throughout the church age, inviting all to partake in the redemptive work of Christ. 4. Eschatological Hope: The immediacy of salvation is also linked to eschatological hope. Believers are called to live in the light of Christ's imminent return, maintaining readiness and faithfulness. The present opportunity for salvation is a foretaste of the ultimate redemption that will be fully realized at the end of the age (1 Thessalonians 5:2-6). 5. Personal and Communal Aspect: Salvation is both a personal and communal experience. Individually, believers are called to accept Christ's sacrifice and enter into a personal relationship with Him. Communally, the church is tasked with proclaiming the message of salvation to the world, embodying the reality of God's kingdom on earth (Matthew 28:19-20). Practical Application The call to recognize "now is the day of salvation" has practical implications for both believers and non-believers. For those who have not yet accepted Christ, it serves as an invitation to embrace the gospel without delay. For believers, it is a reminder to live out their faith actively, sharing the message of salvation with others and embodying the transformative power of the gospel in their daily lives. In summary, the concept of "now is the day of salvation" is a profound biblical truth that emphasizes the urgency, availability, and transformative power of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. It calls individuals to respond to God's grace in the present moment, ensuring that they do not miss the opportunity for eternal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 49:8Thus said the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard you, and in a day of salvation have I helped you: and I will preserve you, and give you for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 6:2 Library A Day to be Remembered Salvation The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning The Day of Judgment. Extracted from a Sermon by Hugh Latimer ... Christ's Humility Our Salvation. Sanctified by God the Father. Baxter -- Making Light of Christ and Salvation Sermon xxvii. The Rock of Castello. Sermon. Resources Questions about Salvation (All) | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can I stop questioning my salvation? | GotQuestions.org Salvation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salvation is Deliverance From: Enemies Salvation is Deliverance From: Eternal Death Salvation is Deliverance From: Sin Salvation is Deliverance From: The Devil Salvation is Deliverance From: This Present Evil World Salvation is Deliverance From: Uncleanness Salvation is Deliverance From: Wrath Salvation is Far off from the Wicked Salvation is of the Appointment of God Salvation is of the Patience of God Salvation is of the Purpose of God Salvation is Through Faith in Christ Salvation of Israel, Predicted Salvation of the Gentiles, Predicted Salvation: All the Earth Shall See Salvation: Announced After the Fall Salvation: Came to the Gentiles Through the Fall of the Jews Salvation: Christ: Appointed For Salvation: Christ: Brings, With Him Salvation: Christ: Came to Effect Salvation: Christ: Died to Effect Salvation: Christ: Exalted to Give Salvation: Christ: Mighty to Effect Salvation: Christ: Raised up For Salvation: Christ: The Author of Salvation: Christ: The Captain of Salvation: Confession of Christ Necessary To Salvation: Final Perseverance Necessary To Salvation: from Generation to Generation Salvation: from Sin, to be Worked out With Fear and Trembling Salvation: God is Willing to Give Salvation: Godly Sorrow Works Repentance To Salvation: Illustrated by a Cup Salvation: Illustrated by a Helmet Salvation: Illustrated by a Horn Salvation: Illustrated by a Lamp Salvation: Illustrated by a Rock Salvation: Illustrated by a Shield Salvation: Illustrated by a Tower Salvation: Illustrated by a Victory Salvation: Illustrated by Chariots Salvation: Illustrated by Clothing Salvation: Illustrated by Typified by the Bronze Serpent Salvation: Illustrated by Walls and Bulwarks Salvation: Illustrated by Wells Salvation: Ministers are a Sweet Savour of Christ to God, in Those Who Obtain Salvation: Ministers: Give the Knowledge of Salvation: Ministers: should be Clothed In Salvation: Ministers: should Endure Suffering That the Elect May Obtain Salvation: Ministers: should Exhort To Salvation: Ministers: should Labour to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: should Use Self-Denial to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: Show the Way of Salvation: No Escape for Those Who Neglect Salvation: Preaching the Word is the Appointed Means of Salvation: Reconciliation to God, a Pledge of Salvation: Regeneration Necessary To Salvation: Revealed in the Gospel Salvation: Saints are Heirs of Salvation: Saints: Appointed to Obtain Salvation: Saints: Ascribe, to God Salvation: Saints: Beautified With Salvation: Saints: Clothed With Salvation: Saints: Commemorate, With Thanks Salvation: Saints: Daily Approach Nearer To Salvation: Saints: Earnestly Look For Salvation: Saints: Evidence, by Works Salvation: Saints: Have a Token of, in Their Patient Suffering for Christ Salvation: Saints: Have, Through Grace Salvation: Saints: Kept by the Power of God To Salvation: Saints: Praise God For Salvation: Saints: Pray for a Joyful Sense of Salvation: Saints: Pray for the Assurance of Salvation: Saints: Pray to be Visited With Salvation: Saints: Receive, As the End of Their Faith Salvation: Saints: Satisfied By Salvation: Saints: Welcome the Tidings of Salvation: Searched Into and Exhibited by the Prophets Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Earthly Power Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Idols Salvation: The Gospel is the Power of God To Salvation: The Heavenly Host Ascribe, to God Salvation: The Scriptures are Able to Make Wise To Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Salvation-having (1 Occurrence) |