Acts 13:38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
Paul speaks of the forgiveness of sins through Jesus.
39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Through Jesus, everyone who genuinely believes in His payment for our sins becomes justified in the eyes of God, which cannot happen simply by keeping the law.
40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:
41 ‘ Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.’”
Paul urges them to repent (acknowledge their sins and be truly sorry for them) and believe, or they will face God's judgement and wrath.
Here is what this message boils down to: We all sin. Whether openly, or in our hearts, we all sin against God. It is impossible for us to live a sinless life, for we are corrupted by sin. Our very thoughts often break the law (have you ever had a dishonest, lustful, or murderous thought? Have you ever spoke less than the absolute truth? If so, you are a sinner, and are just as guilty of sinning against God as the most blatant deviant) Our sins break the law, therefore we stand condemned before God. God is perfect, sinless. Therefore He cannot let sin go unpunished, as it is against the very nature of God.
No amount of our feeble efforts to abide by the law can save us. The law only serves to show us our sin. Our only hope for salvation is in Jesus. Our righteous, and loving God sent us a means for our sin debt to be paid. He sent Jesus to earth, to live a perfectly sinless life. He was the ultimate sacrificial lamb; a spotless, blemish free sacrifice to cover (pay for) our sins. He took the wrath of God that we deserve. The only way to salvation is through faith in Jesus. By that faith, you are accepting His payment for your sin debt. By rejecting Him, you reject that payment, and have to stand on your own, uncovered, before God to receive His judgement. That judgement will result in eternal separation from God. Eternal condemnation. God gives us that choice. Believe, accept, and love Him, or reject and hate Him. The consequences we receive are entirely our choice. It's amazing how many reject His gift of payment.
Have you accepted that gift? Do you have genuine faith in that payment, or did you just pray a prayer in church? Will you have to stand uncovered before the God that knows your inner most thoughts and deeds?
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