March 23. Now is the Accepted Time
J.R. Miller emphasizes that the present moment is the urgent and final opportunity to accept Christ's salvation before the door of mercy closes forever.
In this evangelistic sermon, J.R. Miller explores the biblical concept of the 'acceptable year' as a limited window of God's mercy and salvation. Drawing from Luke 4:18-19 and historical context, Miller urges listeners to recognize the urgency of responding to Christ's call before the opportunity closes. He challenges each individual to consider whether they have embraced or rejected this precious time of grace. This message serves as a solemn reminder that the day of salvation is fleeting and must not be delayed.
Text
"He has anointed me … to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18-19
Then there must a be a year or a time which is not the "acceptable year." We know that this "acceptable year" closed for the Jewish nation when they nailed their Messiah on the cross. They were doomed from that hour.
For a number of years, things went on as before. There was a measure of prosperity. Their city stood in its splendor, and the people dwelt in their homes in some degree of peace. But the day of their merciful visitation ended forever, when they finally rejected Christ. When Jesus stood on Olivet and looked down upon the city and wept over it, and said, "If you had known, even you, at least in this your day, the things which belong unto your peace; but now they are hid from your eyes" — when He spoke these words amid the rush of tears — the "acceptable year" closed. After that, the doom hung over the beautiful city, which in a few years burst upon it in all its woe and terribleness!
This is history — but there is another way to look at this matter. There is an "acceptable year" for each soul. It begins when Christ first comes to us and offers salvation. It continues while He still stands at our door and knocks. It closes when we drive Him away from our door by utter and final rejection — or when death comes and hurries us away forever from the world of mercy.
This "acceptable year" to each one, is now.
Has the reader of these words closed with the mercy and love of Christ? If he has, he knows the preciousness of the "acceptable year of the Lord." If he has not, let him remember that the "accepted time" will soon close.
In another place it is called a day, "the day of salvation." A day is short, and when the time of its setting draws on — no power in the universe can prolong it one moment. It would be a fearful thing were the accepted time to end and leave us unsaved.
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Concept of the Acceptable Year
- Definition from Luke 4:18-19
- Historical closing of the acceptable year for Israel
- The consequences of rejecting Christ
-
II. The Personal Acceptable Year
- Begins when Christ first offers salvation
- Continues while Christ knocks at the door
- Ends with final rejection or death
-
III. The Urgency of Now
- The accepted time is limited
- No power can extend the day of salvation
- The danger of delaying acceptance
Key Quotes
“He has anointed me … to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” — J.R. Miller
“The 'acceptable year' closed for the Jewish nation when they nailed their Messiah on the cross.” — J.R. Miller
“The 'acceptable year' to each one, is now.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Respond to Christ's call without delay, recognizing that the opportunity for salvation is limited.
- Reflect on your personal acceptance or rejection of God's mercy today.
- Share the urgency of the gospel message with others before the 'acceptable year' closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'acceptable year' mentioned in the sermon?
It refers to the time period when God's mercy and salvation are available, both historically for Israel and personally for each individual.
Why did the 'acceptable year' close for the Jewish nation?
Because they rejected Christ, culminating in His crucifixion, which ended their period of merciful visitation.
How does the sermon define the 'acceptable year' for an individual?
It begins when Christ offers salvation and ends when a person either rejects Him finally or dies.
What is the consequence of ignoring the 'accepted time'?
Once the accepted time ends, salvation is no longer available, resulting in eternal separation from God.
What scripture emphasizes the urgency of accepting salvation now?
2 Corinthians 6:2 highlights that now is the acceptable time and the day of salvation.