Life Line

Acts 13:38-41 “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 41 (from Habakkuk 1:5) ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’”
 
THIS is a wonderful message, isn’t it? “Therefore – because Jesus is risen from the grave – I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” Paul is excited God has granted him the forgiveness of sins. Paul loves Jesus, his Savior, and he wants to tell everyone God will forgive them, too.
   But this forgiveness is not automatic. To teach everyone the difference between God’s justification and God’s condemnation, Paul draws a spiritual Life Line: Everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. To be justified in God’s sight is to be completely without sin’s guilt that keeps you from the Holy God.
   Yes, on one side of the Life Line will stand those who believe Jesus is their risen Savior. On the other side of the Life Line are those who do not believe. They will scoff and wonder, “How can this be true?” People will reject the idea of sin, or they will doubt their sins will keep them from heaven. They will scoff at the truth Jesus is risen, ascended and coming again. People who scoff at the Savior and doubt their sin will be condemned.
   Yes, this would be difficult for the Jews, trained in the law, to understand and believe. The gospel would also be unbelievable to Gentiles, who had little or no knowledge of God’s sovereign authority over creation.
   Once again Paul used the prophets to affirm God can and will do what we believe is impossible. That’s why Paul quotes Habakkuk 1:5. This was a prophecy of Israel’s destruction into exile. The ruling Jews and king did not believe Habakkuk or other prophets who warned of God’s impending justice over his idolatrous people.
   In a like manner, Paul is warning the Jews. God has destroyed his unbelieving people in the past. He will destroy those who do not believe Jesus is the eternal Savior.
   Telling the gospel is drawing the line between belief and unbelief. Many who reject Jesus reject the need to be justified. People need to know they are guilty of breaking God’s commands. They must know God will make them innocent through their faith in Jesus.
   Yes, this is an obvious lesson to most of us. We must, then, be mindful to tell the reason for Jesus’ great sacrifice.