FRIDAY July 7, 2023

Despisers of Christ

“Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: ‘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.’ ”
Acts 13:40-41

Now at this point, the Apostle Paul gave a stern warning against rejecting Christ. He quoted from Habakkuk 1:5, which says, “Look among the nations and watch—be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.” The Jews were told of the Messiah’s coming by the Prophets, the Disciples of Christ, and now Paul the Apostle. What would the Jews do after hearing the Gospel message? How would they react?

They had heard the wonderful news about Christ, who came to earth to offer Himself as a sacrifice for sin. Forgiveness for sin, justification, redemption, and grace had become available to all men. This was an amazing plan––a redemptive work of God. Yet the Jews listening would reject the way of salvation. What happens when the Gospel truth is rejected? The Bible tells us: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Those who despise Christ will perish!

Jesus made this clear to the Pharisees who despised Him, “...I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). Acts 13:40-41 still stands as a warning to anyone who despises and rejects Jesus as the Christ. Why perish in your sin? Better to accept Christ than to be lost for all eternity. What is God’s ultimate desire for each one of us? God desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

Honestly, we are all desperate sinners. How foolish it would be to despise Christ. Why perish eternally when God has a plan for a way out! Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Confess faith in Christ!

Better to confess Christ 1000 times now and be despised by men, than be disowned by Christ before God on the Day of Judgment.
~J. C. Ryle~

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