II Corinthians 6:1-2

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“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain. (For He says, I have heard you in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored you: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”

Does II Cor 6:2 state that now is the only time in which salvation is offered to mankind? It is almost universally believed and taught that “the day of salvation” mentioned here means that everyone alive today is getting his “chance” for salvation now.

The word “the” in II Cor 6:2 is actually mistranslated as the definite article, but the original Greek reads “a day of salvation,” the indefinite article.

The world is not facing a “now or never” ultimatum from God, with missionaries desperately trying to “get the masses saved.” The world is now blind—deceived (Rev. 12:9). On the other hand, though God’s Church has often been accused of teaching that people get “two chances” for salvation, it has never taught this. All people get one chance for salvation. We have always understood that learning and knowing the truth is what brings accountability (James. 4:17; Heb. 10:26).

Isaiah 49:1-8 mentions this same phrase and includes the indefinite article “a” when describing the prophesied salvation of Israel. Suggested reading:

• Does the Bible Teach Predestination?

• What Is True Conversion?