TUESDAY July 11, 2023
Appointed to Eternal Life
Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Acts 13:48
Can you imagine the excitement building among the Gentiles? The Jews whom they were called to be separated from could now have fellowship with them. Remember, they were considered unclean and sinful. They were so happy because they understood the magnitude of the message. God had also given salvation to them. He had extended His grace to sinners.
Listen to Paul, an excellent theologian, who explained God’s plan of redemption from the perspective of Gentiles when they had no hope. They were separated from Israel and the covenant promise of a Savior:
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:11-13).
The Word of God bore forth much fruit. The Gentiles received Christ. What a beautiful harvest of souls. They glorified God for His Word, knowing they were found worthy, as their faith in Christ had saved them.
Jesus victoriously won our salvation when He died on the Cross for our sin. For those who believe, He has appointed them eternal life:
“...whoever believes in Him [Christ] should not perish but have eternal life. 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 3:15-16).
Have you placed your faith in Jesus to receive the hope of eternal life?
To God be the glory
Great things He has done
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin
And opened the life gates that all may go in!
~Fanny Crosby~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
