Salvation is Nearer

"Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed" (Rom. 13:11).

It’s that time of year where we tend to go rushing about, shopping for gifts for the holidays, perhaps gathering (safely) with friends and family for get togethers and special time with each other, and a host of other things that demand our time and attention. You will notice, as we get closer to the actual events, people who have been putting things off get more frantic about trying to find the right gift for friends and loved ones, begin to settle for about anything they can find! Traffic increases, and stress levels are high. For a time dubbed “peace and good will for others,” there seems to little of such to be found.

While many struggle trying to get everything done that life seems to demand,  each day we live, we also come that much closer to eternity, as well.  This is what Paul emphasizes in the passage above.  Each day we live brings us one day closer to our Lord's return.  Each day we live brings us one day closer to our departure from this existence, if the Lord tarries.  While it's easy to get caught up in everyday activities and responsibilities, we are steadily moving closer to eternity.  How prepared are you to meet God in judgment?

In our youth, it seems we have an endless supply of tomorrows, more than the yesterdays we have.  However, each day we live, the number of tomorrows we have shrinks, and our yesterdays accumulate.  Yes, we all one day will reach the point where all our tomorrows are yesterdays, where we depart from this existence and face eternity.  There aren't an infinite number of days to obey the gospel, and to do the will of God.  "We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work" (John 9:4).  What opportunities do you have for Christ, and what are you doing with them?

Salvation draws nearer each day, if you're a faithful child of God.  If not, condemnation draws nearer.  Don't postpone for tomorrow what you should do today for the Lord.  You may not have tomorrow.  Live each day in Christ, and be ready to meet Him in glory, whenever the day comes.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”

Robert