It’s kind of an amazing transition actually . . . from the first few verses of Romans 13 to the last. From being subject to governing authorities (13:1) to putting on the Lord Jesus Christ (13:14) . . . from paying taxes (13:7) to casting off the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light (13:12) . . . from the mundane duties of everyday life to viewing those duties as part of walking in such a way as to reflect the reality of the calling of Christ. And at the center of it all is a pretty simple command, “Wake up! Quit snoozin’! Get your head in the game!” And behind the command a very simple reminder that, should we grasp it . . . should we allow the Holy Spirit to make it real to us . . . this reminder will impact everything we do. The reminder? “For now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” (13:11).

My adoption into God’s family was over 30 years ago (man, am I getting old!). And, if I was pumped at being saved then . . . how much more should I be now? My salvation is nearer than when I first believed. Whether it’s because Jesus’ return is nearer (and it is . . . could be any day) . . . or whether it’s because mortality reminds me that my “going home” is closer now than it was when I was first saved, the fulfillment of my salvation is nearer this morning than it was yesterday morning. The hope I posses of being facedown before the One who loved me unto death . . . the substance of my faith, which speaks of an inheritance in heaven – -the holy habitation of God — an inheritance reserved for me which is incorruptible, undefiled, and can never fade way (1Peter 1:3-4) . . . all that, is nearer to being realized with each passing moment.

Oh, that I would live more in promise of the future than the “realities” of the day or the “regrets” of the past. Cause, if I’m pickin’ up on what Paul’s layin’ down, when I really get hold of the fact that the fulfillment of my salvation draws near, then it becomes a powerful motivator and sustainer to deal with what I gotta deal with today. Obedience to God isn’t some chore . . . it’s a delight because I anticipate hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Dealing with the trials of the day, though discouraging at times, ultimately are put in the context of a salvation soon to be revealed so that “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1Peter 1:5-7). Even the tough stuff can be worked through with an inner joy when we believe it refines Christ’s character in us and can bring God glory through how we leverage His all-sustaining grace.

Living a life worthy of the calling of Christ isn’t some “discipline” . . . it is a delight when we consider what lies ahead. Faithfulness isn’t some sentence we bear because we accepted the gift, it is a willing sacrifice we make in anticipation of being with the One who calls us His own special treasure. Worship isn’t some mindless, listless, mouthing of the words and going through the motions, instead it is the great rehearsal in anticipation of that time when we will be gathered with myriads of the redeemed around the throne of God Almighty, the Lamb in the midst, and cry, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power!” Oh, to be alive to the reality of a salvation that is nearer than when we first believed.

So, “Wake up!” Paul says, “It’s high time to awake out of sleep . . . the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness . . . let us walk properly as in the day . . . let us put on the armor of light . . . let us put on the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ through His Spirit which indwells us . . . let us make no provision for the flesh . . . but let us get ready to fly . . . to soar with wings as eagles . . . to live in such as way as to bring Him glory through all circumstance . . . for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed!”

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! (Rev. 22:20 NLT)