11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation isnearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:11-12 NKJV)
The night is far spent, the day is at hand. In some way it is easy to see signs around us that surely point to the imminent coming of Christ. However, my father thought that he would see Christ before he died and that did not happen. I am not sure I will, but I do think that the night is far spent and we are far closer to salvation than when I first believed.
That last line is the key to living a Christ filled life. Every day on earth, whether we see the second coming or not, is a day closer to salvation. Each day brings an opportunity to live a life pleasing to God and to work out our salvation. But as I noted in a recent blog entry, working out is not working for our salvation. It is a gift freely given but once obtained we should want to do that which the Spirit leads us to do to work out our salvation.
This is why we must cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light.
Reflect on: Are you living each day as if it were one day closer to salvation?
