THURSDAY May 18, 2023
The Indescribable Gift of God
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
Acts 10:34-38
God is a God of order. There was no confusion in this well-thought-out plan devised by the Lord. By divine direction and arrangement, He led Peter to Cornelius’ home. Here a group of people, whose hearts were ready to hear the Gospel message, waited; and here was Peter, whose heart was prepared by God to give them a message. Peter preached the Gospel in order, beginning with the ministry of John the Baptist and introducing the ministry of Jesus Christ. His message was theological, but incredibly simple for the common person to understand.
God is not a respecter of persons. He accepts people from every nation––those who fear Him. When Jesus died on the Cross, in the Temple the veil ripped from top to bottom. Jew and Gentile can now come together; that includes everybody––every living person on the entire planet.
Jesus became the atonement for sin. There was no more need for the Old Testament animal sacrifices. Why? He [Jesus] Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:2). The word propitiation means “an appeasing.” It refers to averting God’s wrath by the offering of a gift. Jesus Christ is that gift! “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).
God’s provision for taking away our sin was through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! [His salvation]! (2 Corinthians 9:15). Have you accepted His gift today?
Grace is God's acceptance of us. Faith is our acceptance of God accepting us.
~Adrian Rodgers~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
