Definition: And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important passage from Romans 13:11. It’s a pretty profound idea! Here's the explanation in simple terms: Basically, it means: “We’re at a crucial point where God wants us to wake up and realize that our salvation (being saved from sin and death) is very close to being ours now.” Let’s unpack it a little further: "And that, knowing the time..." - This refers to God's timing – He has a plan for everything. "...that now [it] is high time..." - “High time” means a crucial or important moment. This verse suggests that right now, God is setting things in motion towards our salvation. "to awake out of sleep:" - Think of "sleep" as being unaware of God’s plan. When we're asleep, we don't know what's coming. We aren't fully aware of the good that awaits us. "For now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed." – This is the core of the message. "Believed" means we thought God would save us, or we trusted in Him. But now, because of God’s timing and grace, our salvation (being saved) is almost here! It's closer to being ours than when we didn’t know or believe. In a nutshell, the verse encourages us to: Be aware of God’s plan. Trust in God’s timing. Recognize that our salvation is coming soon. Think of it like this: You're driving a car – you don’t know exactly when you'll arrive at your destination. But the fact that you’re on the road, and moving towards that destination, makes it much closer than if you were just idling. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this verse applies to our lives?