... the tenth chapter of Acts. I was directed to it when someone quoted Acts 10:35 "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." It was quoted to me by someone who believes non-Christians are accepted by God.
Sounds reasonable, if you only read that one verse. But Peter begins his remarks in verse 34, and the background goes all the way back to verse one in the tenth chapter. Without the remaining verses, Peter's sermon is incomplete, just as we are incomplete without Christ.
Peter's sermon here is one of the most beautiful presentations of the gospel, "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all.)" Peter then continues through Christ's ministry, death and resurrection.
Peter next tells us of God’s command "to preach unto the people and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead."
Peter closes with an absolute truth: "…that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."
That, my dears, is the Good News! Christ died for our sins. Whosoever -- whether it is in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts or any New Testament book -- means me. And you. And everyone who accepts God’s awesome gift of salvation.
Oh, Lord, we thank you for this awesome gift. We know we fail you in so many ways and we ask your forgiveness for our sins. We commit to forgiving those who have failed us, too. Be with us each day and help us witness to the truth You have given to all mankind. God bless those who carry this truth with them daily. Amen.
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