Creator, Father, King #260

Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.

WHEN THE APOSTLE PAUL arrived in Pisidian Antioch (a city in Asia Minor) on his first missionary journey, he first visited the local Jewish synagogue before preaching anywhere else, as was his custom. The synagogue leaders told him, “If you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it” (Acts 13:15).

Boy, were they in for a surprise!

Paul gladly stood up before the crowd. Knowing that his audience was Old Testament–savvy, he gave a brief overview of Israel’s history before quickly steering the conversation to Jesus, showing how Christ fulfilled Messianic prophecies—such as Psalm 2:7; Psalm 16:10; and Isaiah 55:3—as God’s long-awaited Savior who was crucified and resurrected to free the people from their sins.

As he concluded, Paul said,

Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.

Paul didn’t mince words. His message was crystal clear: I know you believe in God. But what are you going to do about Jesus?

What’s It Mean?

Paul’s sermon that day was concurrent with the message of Scripture: a stand-alone belief in God is not enough. Salvation comes through repentance and faith in God’s appointed Savior.

From the moment Jesus ascended into heaven, this was the good news that the apostles proclaimed all over the world. Acts 2:22-39; 4:11-12; 8:35; and 16:31 are just a few examples of this. Jesus himself said that the only way to the Father was through the Son (John 14:6).

Now the question comes to you. If you’re reading this devotional, you probably believe in God. But what are you going to do about Jesus? Everything in this life—and eternity—hinges on that.

You cannot shrug at the reality of the Son’s incarnation and worship the God who sent him. You cannot spurn the eternal significance of the Savior’s crucifixion and adore the God who sacrificed him. You cannot deny Christ’s resurrection and love the God who raised him. You cannot reject Jesus and be right with God. “Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight.”

So the question comes to you again: What are you going to do about Jesus?

Now What?

If you have never trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, do so today!

Did You Know?

While some in Pisidian Antioch seemed to believe Paul’s message (Acts 13:43), he was ultimately kicked out of the city for his gospel witness (verse 50).