“NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME”
In his book, August 1914, Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn quotes Napoleon as he was fleeing the burning city of Moscow in 1812. The French general said, “It is high time to escape.” Solzhenitsyn observed, “The phrase implied that time could form a peak, at the summit of which was one single moment in which to escape” (31:314). In other words, it was now or never.
When we think about salvation, I believe the words of Napoleon capture the New Testament idea implied in the urgency of obeying the gospel. “Truly these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). “Behold, now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). “See then that you walk carefully, not as fools but wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15-16). “Exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). “But the end of all things is at hand: therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Pet. 4:7). “And on some have compassion, making a distinction, but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire” (Jude 22-23).
It is high time to escape! It is time for many to make a decision. The moment of opportunity may pass. To delay in indecisiveness may cost your soul.
- It is high time to escape the muck and mire of the hog pen – Luke 15:15
- It is high time to escape the fiery darts of the devil – Eph. 6:16
- It is high time to escape the weight and entanglements of sin – Heb, 12:1
- It is high time to escape the roaring and devouring lion – 1 Pet. 5:8
- It is high time to escape the fires of hell – Jude 23.
As the year draws to a close, I hope you will seriously consider your salvation – your relationship with God. Take the way of escape provided in Jesus. “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:13).