2 Corinthians 6:2
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2 Corinthians 6:2
This verse quotes an Old Testament provocation to describe the urgency of salvation: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Paul channels Scripture to press upon readers the immediacy of response to God’s grace in Christ. The contrast between “time accepted” and “day of salvation” emphasizes that salvation is available in the present moment and should not be postponed. The cultural context includes pressures of complacency, persecution, and the lure of delaying decisions in a hostile world. The verse functions as both warning and invitation: do not assume more time will come; when God’s grace is offered, respond. It frames Christian life as lived under a present, urgent invitation to reconciliation and faith.
Theological themes include divine initiative and human response. God’s grace is not distant or abstract; it is imminent and accessible. The verse grounds soteriology in the quality of God’s timing and mercy, inviting perseverance and urgency in mission. It also reinforces the continuity between the Old Covenant’s prophetic voice and the New Covenant’s fulfillment in Christ. The “accepted time” language echoes the Bible’s overarching pattern: moments of grace invite decisive trust. The verse thus anchors Christian hope in the generosity of God’s salvation here and now.
Practically, do not delay decisions about faith, repentance, or deep commitments. If you’ve been considering following Jesus or reorienting your life around Him, respond today. This could mean setting aside fears, confessing a sin, or committing to regular prayer or a community of faith. For families and workplaces, seize opportunities to demonstrate trust in God’s timing—offer forgiveness, pursue reconciliation, and take steps of obedience even when it’s costly. The verse also challenges procrastination in spiritual growth: engage in spiritual disciplines, seek mentors, and take tangible steps toward serving others. The engaging invitation invites you to trust God now, not manana.
Cross-References: Isaiah 49:8; Joel 2:32; Romans 13:11-14; Hebrews 3:7-15; James 4:13-15