Conclusion of "The Especially Acceptable Time"

However, there is a further application of this prophecy. After quoting the words of Isaiah regarding the time of goodwill, Paul went on to say:  "Look! Now is the especially acceptable time. Look!  Now is the day of salvation."  (2 Corinthians  6:2)  Paul wrote these words 22 years after Jesus' death. Evidently, with the birth of the Christian congregation at Pentecost of 33 C.E., Jehovah extended his year of goodwill so as to include Christ's anointed followers.

What about Jesus' followers today who are not  anointed as heirs of God's heavenly kingdom?  Can those with an earthly hope benefit from this acceptable time?  Yes.  The Bible book of Revelation shows  that this is a time of goodwill on the part of Jehovah toward the great crowd that will come "out of the great tribulation" to enjoy life on paradise earth.  (Revelation 7:13-17)  Hence, all Christians can take advantage of this limited period during which Jehovah offers his goodwill to imperfect humans.

The apostle Paul preceded the proclamation of Jehovah's acceptable time with a warning.  he entreated Christians "not to accept the undeserved kindness of God and miss its purpose."  (2 Corinthians 6:1)  Accordingly, Christians make use of every opportunity to please God and do his will.  (Ephesians  5:15, 16)  They do well to follow Paul's admonition:  "Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in any one of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God; it may be called  'Today,' for fear any one of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin. -Hebrews 3:12, 13.

As the prophetic expressions between Jehovah and his Messiah come to an end, Isaiah utters a joyful statement:  "Give a glad cry, you heavens, and be joyful, you earth.  Let the mountains become cheerful with as glad outcry.  For Jehovah has comforted his people, and he shows pity upon his own afflicted ones."  (Isaiah 49:13)  What beautiful words of comfort for the Israelites of old and for Jehovah's great Servant, Jesus Christ, as well as for Jehovah's anointed servants and their "other sheep" companions today! -John 10:16.

Next time: Jehovah Does Not Forget His People

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001