August 26, 2024

Passage Read: Luke 23-24
Meditation Verse: 24:47

Thought

"Repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations:" this is the Gospel. Not simply believe in Jesus for forgiveness of sins, but repentance for forgiveness, forgiveness which is only possible because of Jesus, His death and resurrection. Forgiveness isn't granted because we believe there is a man accredited from God by miracles and great teachings, by death and resurrection. Forgiveness is granted because we acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah who will reign over Israel and all creation, and we turn away from going our own way and turn to walk in Jesus's way, because He is the Son of God and King of creation. Forgiveness is granted because we turn away from living by our own rules and standards and start living by His rules and standards. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness.

Application

I need to proclaim Jesus as Christ and King and God's only true Son. He has all authority in heaven and on earth, and as such all men everywhere owe Him allegiance and obeisance; they must humble themselves and submit to His Word and Will, to do as He commands. In that repentance, they will find mercy and forgiveness from Him, from His Father. Their sins will be wiped out and the Lord will remake them in righteousness and holiness, and they will be able to walk in the righteousness of God and of His only Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. This is the Gospel I must believe and obey and proclaim.