"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS"
Acts 10:43 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
The above verse, is part of a teaching/preaching ministry by the apostle Peter as he was sent to minister to a Gentile named Cornelius. There were many things in his message, but here he focuses in on the very heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1. Jesus was the main subject of the prophets in the OT.
Acts 10:43 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
Interesting to note, that Peter says, "all the prophets witness etc" Jesus was indeed the subject of their prophetic ministries, telling in advance that God was going to send a savior, the Messiah.
So, from Genesis to Malachi, the from start to finish in the OT, it's all about Jesus Christ.
2. Jesus is to be believed in, and trusted in.
Acts 10:43 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
Please notice the phrase, "through His name" this is essentially teaching that through what Jesus did, and that Jesus is to be believed in. It's one thing to know about Him, but quite an entirely different matter to to put one's trust in Him. But, that's what God has called us to. To believe in Him.
3. When a person believes in Jesus, they will receive the remission or the forgiveness of their sins.
Acts 10:43 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
This is the most wonderful truth in the entire world. That when a person puts their trust in Christ, they will receive the remission of, or the forgiveness of their sins.
When Christ went to the cross, He did so to pay for the sins of the world. Our debt to God has been paid for by Jesus's death on the cross. We are debt free as it were with God when it comes to sins.
We cannot remove our sins, but when we trust Christ, they are removed permanently.
4. Here's a small sampling of Bible verses about the forgiveness of our sins.
Acts 5:31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 13:38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
Acts 26:18 ‘to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
Colossians 1:14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Some questions:
1. When did you first find forgiveness of sins from Jesus?
2. What were the circumstances that led you to put your faith in Him?
3. Do you remember what it felt like to realize your sins were actually forgiven?
4. Do you ever share with non believers that they can be forgiven of their sins?
5. Would you pray right now that God might open the door for you to tell others what Jesus has done for you?
A prayer:
Father if there is one thing that is the greatest gift we have ever received, it's found in our having received Your Son Jesus Christ. It's not by works of righteousness that we have have done, that has brought us forgiveness of our sins, but rather through Your mercy and grace, and our turning to Jesus and putting our faith in Him. Thank You for your unspeakable gift Lord God. May we burst at the seams to tell others about Jesus. In his name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
