Forgiveness of Sins

The bottom line is forgiveness of sins. But let's go to the beginning of the story.

Paul began his first missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 13, by sailing with Barnabus to the island of Cyprus, taking along John Mark. After preaching in Cyprus, they sailed north to the mainland of Pamphylia to the city of Perga, then on to Antioch in Pisidia. Starting in Acts 13, Paul preaches to the Jews in the synagogue, reviewing some of their history. He mentions John the Baptist in vs 24, how John was preaching "the baptism of repentance."

As the sermon progresses, Paul talks about Jesus, how He was crucified, died, buried, and was raised from the dead and appeared to witnesses. He then comes down to a conclusion in vs 38: "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins." That is, through Jesus is preached the forgiveness of sins.

So the point here is that this is the main message of the gospel, God's word. That is, by following Jesus, believing in Him, and doing His will, we can have forgiveness of sins. And that is the secret to eternal life.

In summary, the message was not about how to have the perfect life here on earth, how to solve all social ills or any other kind of ills. The primary purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to preach about the forgiveness of sins. By serving Him here, which is to also serve our fellow man, and obeying His will, we can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Let's do it!

Take the time to read Acts 13.....and I'll see you next week!