2Cor 6, 1-3 Now is the day of salvation

2Corinthians 6

(2Cor 6, 1-3) Now is the day of salvation

[1] Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. [2] For he says: "In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you." Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. [3] We cause no one to stumble in anything, in order that no fault may be found with our ministry;

(CCC 1041) The message of the Last Judgment calls men to conversion while God is still giving them "the acceptable time,… the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2). It inspires a holy fear of God and commits them to the justice of the Kingdom of God. It proclaims the "blessed hope" of the Lord's return, when he will come "to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all who have believed" (Titus 2:13; 2 Thess 1:10). (CCC 1989) The first work of the grace of the Holy Spirit is conversion, effecting justification in accordance with Jesus' proclamation at the beginning of the Gospel: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt 4:17). Moved by grace, man turns toward God and away from sin, thus accepting forgiveness and righteousness from on high. "Justification is not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the interior man (Council of Trent (1547): DS 1528).