June 1
“We, then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation,” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2.
In the closing words of chapter five of his Second Epistle to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul summarized the heart of the Gospel. He wrote, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation . . . (God) made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him,” 2 Corinthians 5:19, 21.
Then Paul proceeded to express the hope that the work of His ministry was not in vain. “We, then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” The apostle pleaded with the Corinthians to cling firmly in faith to God’s message of grace, His message of peace and pardon for all their sins. The heavenly Father accepted the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered and died on Calvary’s cross to wash away the sins of all people. The heavenly Father assures sinners, one and all, that He does not count their sins against them.
The same appeal that Paul made to the Corinthians must be made to all who call themselves Christians: Do not receive the grace of God in vain! To receive the grace of God in vain means that after one has heard God’s message of mercy through Christ, one does not accept and believe it. Then the teaching, preaching, and hearing of the Gospel is in vain. There is no blessing for those who hear the Gospel but who, in spite of its invitation, refuse to believe it.
Paul quotes from the Book of the prophet Isaiah: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” The promised Messiah and Savior is speaking through the prophet Isaiah. God heard the cry of His chosen people throughout the Old Testament times, and He repeated His promise to send a Savior, who would provide salvation not only for the children of Israel but for all people.
However, the prophet Isaiah had the same concern that was expressed by the apostle Paul: “We . . . plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” Isaiah began his great Gospel chapter fifty-three with the words, “Who has believed our report?” Isaiah 53:1. He had to contend with people who heard the glorious promises of God to send a Savior but who did not accept and believe them!
Today, we must face the same situation. The Gospel is proclaimed in all its truth and purity throughout the world. The message of God’s mercy, His assurance of forgiveness gained through the precious blood of Jesus shed on Calvary’s cross, is heard by multitudes, but many do not believe and accept it.
Paul reminds his hearers and us that the time is running out: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Accept, believe, and trust in God’s forgiveness, NOW, TODAY! Tomorrow might be too late! The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews has the same urging: “TODAY, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,” Hebrews 3:15.
“Today Thy mercy calls us To wash away our sin.
However great our trespass, Whatever we have been,
However long from mercy Our hearts have turned away,
Thy precious blood can cleanse us, And make us white today.
Today Thy gate is open, And all who enter in
Shall find a Father’s welcome And pardon for their sin.
The past shall be forgotten, A present joy be giv’n;
A future grace be promised, A glorious crown in heav’n.” Amen.