Since life is short and uncertain and eternity is forever, the most important question one should know is, “How can I be saved?” How can I know for certain that I am right with God?
Peter and the other apostles knew that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our good works or efforts. In this passage, Peter’s reiterates that:
1. Salvation is not based on national identity nor is it based on good works.
Peter begins his sermon by saying, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation, the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (10:34-35). The application for us is that people from any background are on equal footing when it comes to receiving the gospel. God does not show partiality.
2. Salvation centres on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
The Bible plainly declares that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).
How comforting it is to know that God took our sin and laid it on Jesus, who had no sin of His own (Isa. 53). Because He is God, His death has immeasurable value; because He is man, His death is the perfect substitute for the sins of humans.
Isn’t it urgent for us to talk about this Jesus? Salvation spreads to others through the faithful proclamation of God’s appointed witnesses. Peter repeatedly emphasizes this point. He says, “We are witnesses of all the things He did” (10:39). He repeats that they were witnesses of His resurrection, chosen beforehand by God (10:41). He adds that Jesus ordered them to preach to the people and testify about Jesus as the coming Judge (10:42). And, he adds how all the prophets bear witness of Jesus as the One we must believe in to receive forgiveness of sins (10:43).
The point for us is that if God has saved us from our sins, then He has appointed us as witnesses to others of the salvation that is available through Jesus Christ.
3. Salvation comes to everyone who believes in the name of Jesus.
Believing in the name of Jesus is specific and personal. To believe in Jesus means that I believe He is the Lord who gave Himself on the cross for my sins. I believe in the promise of God, that whoever believes in Him receives eternal life as God’s gift, not based on any human merit, but only on God’s free grace. To believe in Jesus means that I no longer rely on anything in myself to commend myself to God. Rather, I trust only in what Jesus did on the cross as my hope for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Do you believe in this powerful name of Jesus?
Suggested prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
Thank you for this gift of salvation. Increase my faith and confidence in you to share this message of the free grace of God that can save anyone from their sins. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen
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