October 1, 2019

Where we have been is not nearly as important as where we are today. Faithfulness in the past is good, but faithfulness today is most important. 

“And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain— for He says, ‘At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation’” 2 Corinthians 6.1-2

Some people assert that the Bible teaches that once we have made a commitment to Christ we can never lose the hope of salvation; once saved, always saved. This can easily become license for a worldly lifestyle. If I “got my ticket punched” through baptism, it doesn’t matter how I live because the promise of resurrection and immortality cannot be lost. 

The message of 2 Corinthians 6.1-2 seems at odds with such an idea. Paul urged believers “not to receive the grace of God in vain.” Apparently a good beginning was not an assurance of a good finish. Beginning with the grace of God does not guarantee continuance in the grace of God. The priority is faithfulness in the present: “Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation.’” The “day of salvation” was the day of our conversion, but it is also this present day and moment. How we run the race today is at least as important as how we began the race.

Valuing the grace of God in Christ is evidenced in a commitment to daily Christian lifestyle. It’s not a “do” and “don’t” obligation checklist; it’s a wholehearted desire to live the lifestyle of Christ in appreciation for what He has done for us. 

If a concern not to “receive the grace of God in vain” weighs on our hearts and minds, it is fair to say we have not received it in vain. Profound gratitude in the moment, an eager desire to live righteously, a passion for service and outreach, all are indications that God’s grace is working effectively and productively in our lives this moment. As such, today truly is “day of salvation.” May we ever abound in all that pleases God and Christ in response to grace.

Steve

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