Our Salvation Is Nearer Now

Than When We First Believed

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Romans 13:11-14

According to Paul, we can wordlessly represent Christ. We are told to “clothe (ourselves) with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” When we become Christians we take on Christ’s identity. We are “children of God through faith.” That’s our status. Yet each day we need to clothe ourselves in His character. We do this by striving to live for and to be more like Jesus, growing in godliness, love, and obedience and turning our back on the sins that once enslaved us.

This growth in Christ is a result of the Holy Spirit working in us and our desire to be closer to Him through study of the Word, prayer, and time spent in fellowship with other Christians. When others look at our words and attitudes, what statement are we making about Christ?

When others see us, may what they see speak well of the Savior.

Our Daily Bread – July 21, 2017