Romans 13:11-14

Introduction

This text is used in the first week of Advent, but preparing for Jesus' return isn't something for just one time of the year. For a treatment that is more focused on Advent, see our lectionary guide.

As with Jesus’ own words foretelling his return, Romans does not tell us when to look for Jesus’ second coming, but instead reminds us that our “salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11c, ESV). We therefore are called to wake up, spiritually, to be prepared for Christ’s return. We do this by casting off “the works of darkness” and instead putting “on the armor of…