God's Salvation is His Delight

Scripture: Acts 13:36-41

“For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay; but He whom God raised did not undergo decay.  “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.  “Therefore take heed, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you: ‘Behold, you scoffers, and marvel, and perish; For I am accomplishing a work in your days, A work which you will never believe, though someone should describe it to you.’ ”

Insights: Today we conclude our Thoughts by Scott blogs regarding this past Sunday’s sermon.  In today’s verses we see Paul expressing the difference between king David and the King of kings who is the Savior, Christ Jesus our Lord.  David died and underwent decay, but not Jesus.  God raised Him from the dead and He did not undergo decay.  Jesus proved His power and victory over sin and death in His resurrection.  Through this victorious work we are now free to receive His gift of salvation and to receive forgiveness from our sins.  Praise the Lord for His power and provision.  Paul, however, did not stop his address with just the message of hope.  He also gave the audience a warning to heed his words.  He told them not to become scoffers and marvel at what he had just proclaimed to them.  If they did, he informed them they would perish.  This offer of salvation is still offered to this day.  All one has to do is ask Jesus to forgive them of their sins and He is faithful and just to grant this forgiveness.  If we ask Him to come into our lives, He will.  We know, however, many will become scoffers and marvel at our message of hope.  These scoffers will perish and spend eternity separated from God’s love in the Lake of Fire where they will be forever tormented.  They do not have to spend eternity in this kind of pain, however.  All they have to do is call out to Jesus and He is willing and able to save them from the punishment due their sin and rebellion.  If you have never received the free gift of eternal life found in Jesus, let me encourage you to stop right now and pray.  Pray for Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to enter into your life.  He will.  He loves you and wants you to have eternal life in Him.

Questions:

1. Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

2. If you have not, are you willing to call on Him today to save you from your sins so that you will not perish?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the salvation You provide me through Your Son Jesus.  Let me know the assurance of my salvation and grant me Your great joy and peace.  Amen.