Paul's urgent invitation
The phrase comes from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. He had just described God making reconciliation possible through Christ, then pleaded with the church not to receive God’s grace in vain (2 Corinthians 5:20-21; 2 Corinthians 6:1). His point was personal and immediate. Since God has acted in Christ, don’t treat that gift as something you can safely ignore.
Paul then draws on God’s promise in Isaiah 49:8. In its original setting, God promised help and restoration to his servant. Paul sees that promise reaching its fulfilment in the good news of Jesus. The favourable time is here because Christ has come, died for sin, and risen again.
(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.)
Salvation is God's gift
Salvation means being rescued from sin and brought into peace with God. It begins with God’s mercy, not human achievement. While people were still sinners, Christ died for them, which means nobody needs to wait until they feel worthy before coming to him (Romans 5:8).
Trusting Christ involves more than agreeing with facts. It is turning to God, relying on Jesus rather than yourself, and openly owning him as Lord. Paul connects salvation with believing in the heart and confessing Christ, while making clear that everyone who calls on the Lord may be saved (Romans 10:9-10; Romans 10:13).
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Why respond today?
The Bible's urgency is not meant to make a frightened person panic or wonder whether God has already shut the door. It highlights the generosity of a God who is speaking now. If you recognise his invitation, answer him rather than endlessly delaying it.
None of us controls tomorrow. James compares human life to a vapour that appears briefly and then vanishes, so he encourages humble dependence on God's will (James 4:14-15). That is simple realism. The right time to seek the God who welcomes you is the time you have, which is today.
A response that keeps growing
For someone who has never trusted Christ, today may mean praying honestly, admitting your need, and placing your confidence in him. There is no magic formula. You can speak plainly to God, asking him to forgive you and help you follow Jesus.
For a Christian, this verse still matters. The Corinthians already knew the gospel, yet Paul called them to live in a way that matched the grace they had received. Each day brings fresh opportunities to listen, repent, forgive, serve, and draw near to God. As Hebrews says, when you hear God's voice, don't harden your heart (Hebrews 3:15). Read these passages for yourself, and consider what faithful response God may be inviting from you today.
While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.