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The word “today” in the Bible
In the Bible, we find the word “today” mentioned in many cases that have been of great importance to the sinner who so much needs salvation and freedom from sin. We are told that “Today is the day of salvation”.
When God was bringing the Israelite nation out of their Egyptian bondage, he said to His people:
“This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.” Ex. 12:2.
With this, a new period began for the Israelite nation – an important point in their history.
Just as for Israel, their deliverance from Egypt marked a new beginning, so in the life of every man, there must be a new beginning, if he wants to become a child of God and a joint heir of the renewed earth together with Christ. The sinner must experience a deliverance from his present bondage to sin. The Deliverer has come and through His death, he has worked out the deliverance. This deliverance is now preached through the whole world “for a testimony unto all the nations”.
“For unto you is born this day a Savior”
It was thus that an angel from heaven once heralded the greatest one of all the messages of God. What a happy “today” it was for the shepherds when they heard the joyful message that the day which numerous prophets had looked forward to in faith had finally come! Peter said:
“Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” 1 Pet. 1:10-11.
Truly, the message of the birth of the Savior of the world brought “great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10-11). What would have happened to this world if there had been no Savior? He has “come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:9, 10).
The significance of that day, “today”, that marked the birth of the Savior of the world, can be compared only to the day of His crucifixion of Calvary. Walking in life’s pathways, many people who have been burdened and sorrowful have come to Jesus and they have found peace through Him, the Prince of Peace.
“Today I must abide at thy house.”
These were the words of Jesus to Zacchaeus, the chief of the publicans, who had come to see Jesus. When Jesus saw the publican on the fig tree, he cried out to him: “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.” Of Zacchaeus, we read: “And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.” Luke 19:5, 6.
So also we must come down from the height of our self-opinion and haughtiness and know that we are sinners, maybe even greater sinners than Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus immediately confessed his guilt and his sin. Are we ready to do the same? Jesus is saying to us: “Today I must abide at thy house.”
If we repent of our past wrongs and place our lives in the hands of the Savior, we can be certain that he will accept us, just as he accepted the penitent Zacchaeus on that day. His heart is full of love and pity and he longs to save each person from their bondage to sin, just as truthfully and manifestly, as he had once delivered the Israelite nation from their bondage to Egypt.
“This day is salvation come to this house”
What a happy “today”! If we turn with our whole hearts to the Savior, then there will be no need to wait long until we find forgiveness and an assurance that we are accepted in the Beloved. It is he who says:
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18.
The Savior gave Himself when he sacrificed His life for us, so that all who would accept His saving sacrifice would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Therefore, in Him only we have full and complete salvation. This is why he constantly calls us:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.
“Today” for the thief on the cross
The power of darkness had blinded the chosen people so much, as were the heathen that were far removed from God. They rejoiced when the Prince of life and Savior of the world was nailed to the cross, though they knew not what they were doing. Then was fulfilled the statement that God had made thousands of years before that time to Adam, namely: that the serpent would bruise the Savior but he would crush its head. Gen. 3:15.
By the death of Jesus, death was deprived of its power upon all who accept the Son of God as their personal Savior and Intercessor. On the cross, Jesus bore the punishment for our sins and our guilt.
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows… But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4, 5.
Christ accomplished our salvation and opened to us the doors to the Kingdom of God. Because of sin, man had lost his right to the eternal inheritance, but by the blood of Jesus, this right has been restored.
The thief on the cross who – because of his sins – was condemned to death, in his dying hours, as he was crucified to the side of Jesus, turned to Him and said: “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Jesus told him:
“Verily I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43.
What a blessed “today” for the transgressor! This could have happened long before in his life, but his sinful course would not have let him come to Jesus. Now, as a robber, being punished for the sins of his past life, he was made to come close to Jesus in His crucifixion. The result was a decided change in his life through true repentance. With confession, he opened his heart to Jesus, the Friend of sinners.
“Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Heb. 4:7.
The last “Today” that was spoken by Jesus on earth brought the sinner from death to life.
Don’t you also want to accept the wonderful mercy of God through Christ, your Savior, and accept the salvation that he offers you?
You may be at the close of your life, as that robber, or maybe not, but be sure to make use of your “Today” before it is everlastingly too late! God is calling you “Today”!
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