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Romans 13 · a question people ask

"salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed" (13:11), and "the day is near" (13:12). How near?

In the text

The chapter says, "Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed." (13:11), and "The night is far gone, and the day is near." (13:12). It sets no date, names no sign, and doesn't say how near. What it draws from the nearness is what to do: "Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light." (13:12). These notes don't go beyond these verses' words.

The verses

“Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light.”
Romans 13:11-12 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Romans 13

Romans 13: Put on the Lord Jesus Christ

Romans 13 goes from "Therefore give everyone what you owe" (13:7) straight to "Owe no one anything, except to love one another" (13:8). And it uses one verb twice near its end: "let’s put on the armor of light" (13:12), and "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ" (13:14).

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Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions