"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man [Jesus Christ] is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins."
Acts 13:38
Part 2
Yesterday began looking at Paul’s sermon to the Jews and “God-fearers” in Antioch of Pisidia. He pointed out that forgiveness comes from Jesus Christ.
“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren,”
“That through this man [Jesus Christ] is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.”
Why was Paul so adamant about preaching Jesus Christ? Why did the Jews and “God-fearers” need Jesus? For that matter why do you and I need Jesus? The answer is in this sentence.
“That through this man….” That is through the work of Jesus Christ the God-man.
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his [Jesus] name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem,” (Luke 24:47).
“Remission of sins, the removal of the power, guilt, and pollution of sin comes alone through this man, whom ye crucified, and who is risen from the dead.”1 This is the good news that every sinner needs to hear! You can be forgiven for your sin through the Lord Jesus Christ. Forgiveness does not come through what you can do, but through what Jesus has done. It is not by your merit but through His grace. It is not about your working to be forgiven, it is all about Jesus’ work of redemption. Peter and the Apostle Paul in the book of Acts were unyielding in their preaching about sinners sins being forgiven by Jesus alone.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” (Acts 2:38).
“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins,” (Acts 5:30-31).
“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins,” (Acts 10:43).
“Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me,” (Acts 26:17-18).
Have your sins been forgiven? There is someone you can go to for help, Jesus, God’s provision to take care of our sins. If you need help with this, please contact us.
1. Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.