Scripture
“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him will be declared right with God- something that the law of Moses could never do.”
Observation
Paul and Barnabas sail to Pamphylia and then travel to Antioch in Pisidia. On the Sabbath they go to the synagogue where they are invited to bring a word of encouragement. Paul proceeds to go through the history of Israel and how God has always led His people. He uses the scriptures to encourage them to become followers of Jesus.
Application
In the Jewish religion there was a temptation to believe that righteousness could be earned by obeying all the requirements of the Law. There was also the opposite temptation of despairing at never being able to do enough to please God.
Both of those failings can be found in the church today, but only when people fail to understand that righteousness comes only as a gift through Jesus.
As Paul says in this Scripture, “through the man Jesus there is forgiveness of sins.” We cannot earn our way to righteousness; all we can do is put our trust in Jesus who has paid the price for our forgiveness.
Everyone who believes in Jesus is declared right with God. Instead of my sin falling on my head, it falls on Christ.
God declares that I am righteous. My sins are forgiven and my debt is paid. I can stand secure in my relationship with God.
This is seriously Good News!
Prayer
Thank you Lord Jesus for paying the price for my sin. Thank you that in you there is true righteousness. Amen.
