And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. (Romans 13:11)

Salvation Draws Near

With each passing year, a spirit of resolution marks the beginning of a time of refreshing and renewal. Plans are made to change oneself, improve productivity, overcome obstacles, and challenge the spirit to grow. One of the wonderful things to consider about a new day and a new year is the reality that salvation is nearer than ever before. On a yearly scale, the joy of eternal life is one year closer. From the daily perspective, it is always a reminder that when the day is ended, salvation in Christ is twenty-four hours nearer.

There is value in looking at each day as a mark of progression. A long journey is marked by miles and how much further the journey requires. With each passing mile marker, the heart grows lighter, knowing the journey is quickly ending. Life is like a long journey. The challenge is not knowing when the end of life’s journey will be, but it remains in the heart to see how much closer salvation is day by day and year by year. That is the hope in Christ to envision the end of life to receive the blessings of an eternal reward. This must be measured by the journey growing shorter with each passing day.

Everyone grows older, and death will take all men. The only thing that will precede the death of all men is the coming of Christ. Whether death or the coming of the Lord, salvation is nearer. The cruel hand of death comes without warning. No one knows when the midnight bell of life will ring and life will be over. Most living at the eleven o’clock hour have little knowledge of how close salvation is. For the hopeful child of God, it matters not what time it is because the joy of eternal life always draws a man closer and closer with greater anticipation. There is the hope God wants His children to have: to know that life brings one closer to Him with each passing moment.

The joy of believing in Christ and obeying the gospel should never be forgotten. What is important for the believer is that every day is a day closer to salvation. It is nearer than when the man was cleansed of his sins. That day brings boundless joy and happiness, but how does that compare to the blessings of eternal life? Salvation draws nearer for those in Christ every day. What a joy to know the day when God wipes away the tears and removes sorrow is closer – drawing nearer every day. With each passing day, anticipation increases with a longing to be with the Lord.

When you finish reading these words, you are moments closer to salvation than when you began. Marking your life by the progression of eternal life drawing nearer and nearer will bring hope to the soul and courage to the heart. One day soon, salvation will be realized. As John concluded his revelation, he declared the words of Jesus, who said, “Surely I am coming quickly.” John responded, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” MARANATHA!!