THURSDAY January 26, 2023

A Lost Opportunity for Grace

Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
Acts 5:7-8

What was the result of God’s judgment on Ananias? Fear came upon the church. Again, God desires a holy church. Sapphira came into the presence of Peter. Three hours of grace and mercy had passed. Would she tell the truth? She was given the time and opportunity to repent.

Peter asked her a simple question. “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” All she needed to do at that very moment was to tell the truth. She did not have to join in with her husband’s sin. But she continued to lie. She answered Peter, “Yes, for so much.”

Here we have a wife who conspired with her husband in a plot of stealing and lying about what they gave to the church. She had the opportunity to receive God’s grace and mercy in her life, but she let the opportunity for grace slip by. Let me say this: when you are married, and your spouse decides to sin, do not join with them in that sin. Be careful. We are accountable before God for our sin, individually.

During Jesus’ ministry, He told those listening to Him: “…you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He [Christ], you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). Jesus is the Christ. He can save you from sin’s judgment: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

God has poured out His love and grace for the past 2000 years. When Christ died on the Cross, the opportunity was given to all people to receive His grace and mercy. Why die in your sin? Why suffer God’s judgment, when you can have His grace instead? Do not let this opportunity pass you by––accept His grace.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
~John 3:16~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!