Sermon On the Net

FORGIVENESS UNSURPASSED

 

ACTS 3: This chapter vividly illustrates a type of forgiveness that is most difficult to understand when one considers all the events in the betrayal, torture, humiliation and crucifixion of Jesus. This is clearly a demonstration of a love that is truly one way, (Agape in the Greek, an unconditional love that requires nothing in return). Truly we have a great God.

 

One day Peter and John were on their way to the Temple and they came across a man who was crippled from birth. He was placed at the gate and would beg for money. As soon as he saw Peter he asked for money and Peter said to him that he did not have any but he would give him what he could. Peter then said in verse 6, "in the name of Jesus Christ, walk." Peter took him by the hand and the man instantly got up and began to walk and jump with joy, he was perfectly healed. The people in the Temple could hardly believe their eyes and were completely astonished. Peter asked them why they stared at them as if they had accomplished this miraculous healing. He told them that his healing was a result of his faith in Jesus, verse 12, "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? Peter laid it on them accusing them of killing the very author of life.

 

We now see the truly loving forgiveness of God when Peter told the crowd they had acted in ignorance and in spite of that God was willing to forgive them and give them everlasting life. Indeed this is forgiveness, unsurpassed. Peter told them to 'repent of your sins and they will be forgiven.' Peter then explained to them how the prophets of old had predicted all that had happened. Verse 24: "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days."

 

Repent, believe, and accept the free gift of life through Jesus and you will be saved. All His love makes it possible for anyone, regardless of their prior life, to be part of God's family. Eternity is eternal, where do you want to be?