TUESDAY January 3, 2023

Repent and Be Converted

“Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord….”
Acts 3:17-19

Peter continued to address those who had seen the crippled man walking. He had told them that it was in the power of the name of Jesus that he had been healed. It had nothing to do with Peter or John.

This became Peter’s second sermon. He boldly told the Jews how they were guilty of killing and crucifying Jesus Christ, albeit it in their ignorance. The word ignorance means “lack of knowledge.” It denotes ignorance on the part of the Jews regarding Christ. Jesus is the Christ––the Messiah. He fulfilled what was promised long ago to Abraham, and the prophecies spoken about Him by Isaiah, Jeremiah, and all the other prophets.

God gave the Jews an opportunity to repent––to forgive them––to forgive us. Peter presented a way for them to have their guilt and sin forgiven. They needed to repent and be converted so that their sins could be blotted out. What blots out our sins? It is the blood of Jesus Christ! First John 1:9 tell us: If we confess our sins, He [Jesus] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. No matter what you have done in your life, you can stand in righteousness––in Jesus’ righteousness, not your own––with a changed heart and attitude.

Do you lack knowledge about the Person of Jesus Christ? It is important that you do not remain ignorant about Him. Jesus is God’s Servant, the Holy One, the Just, and the risen Prince of life! Take the opportunity to repent of your sins and have your sins blotted out. When Jesus blots out your sin, it is no longer there––you are in right standing with God.

To deny Jesus Christ means your sins remain. Then, one day when you die, you will stand before God, guilty. While you have time, repent and be converted! Today is the day of salvation! Why wait?

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.”
~Isaiah 43:25~

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