The Message Of Christ

S-Scripture:  Acts 20:21, “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (KJV)

O-Observation:  Acts 20 is a powerful chapter of the Apostle Paul’s love for the churches.  In Ephesus, Paul reminded the elders of the constant work, passion, tears, and commitment he had for truth, doctrine, and the strengthening of the churches.  In verse 21, Paul reminds the church at Ephesus of God’s desire for all people to be saved by repentance and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Repentance represents a change of mind (about who you are and what you believe about your sin and the Christ).  It is not only a change of mind, it is a change of heart, emotions, feelings, desires.  Your old wicked heart has been replaced with a heart of righteousness.  Repentance is not only a change of mind and heart, it is a change of behavior.  We no longer feel good about the bad choices we make.  We want to please God instead of ourselves.  Then, there is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).  “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for.”  -Hebrews 11:1 (NIV).  When we feel godly sorrow for our sin (and repent), we then proceed to place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Repentance and faith go hand and hand.  When we repent of our sins and place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, He saves us, seals us, and gives us eternal life!

A-Application:  I am thankful to God for His Plan of Salvation!  His plan has never changed!  From the time of Adam and Eve, until the last person receives Christ, humanity has always been saved by repentance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  For those in the Old Testament, they believed the gospel (the Messiah was coming to be a Lamb Slain before the foundation of the world, and they believed in His resurrection).  Now, I’ll be the first to admit that most of these believers did not have a full understanding of the Messiah, but they had enough to understand that the Messiah was coming to pay the entire debt for their sins.  People today, look back to the cross, where Jesus Christ laid down His life for us!  When they understand this message, and the Spirit of the Lord convicts them of sin, they will either repent or perish!

P-Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for Your Plan of Salvation.  I am thankful that it is offered freely to all people.  Whether Jew or Greek, Slave or Free, Your salvation is for the Masses!  Thank You for saving me in September of 1985!  I love you, Lord!  In Jesus Name.  Amen!