Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31
The times of ignorance have passed since the Lord has come and been raised from the dead, so that you and I might have life, and have it more abundantly. His resurrection has caused GOD to command everyone of us to repent — which is to surrender to a Sovereign God with sorrow and regret for sin, as we change the direction of our lives. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10
Although the times of ignorance have past in the mind of God, there are so many in our world who do not know the mind of God. Yet, the fruit of repentance is so essential to salvation that It is the first word of the gospel of Jesus Christ— From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
This matters much because righteousness is only found in the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. God has appointed a day when He will judge us all by Him. The One who lived and died as a man, though He was divine He willingly gave His life in exchange for yours and mine. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21
The love of God is expressed to humankind in many ways. Signs and wonders are given to bring attention to the resurrection and salvation that delivers us from death. This can be seen in Acts 4:8-12 — Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Although Peter had received this salvation, he was compelled to tell others about the way to receive everlasting life. Are you compelled to tell others about Jesus? Or do you need to change the direction of your life? This devotion is for those who know the times of ignorance have passed, and for those who need to know. God loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son. The Lord Jesus came to exchange His righteousness for our sin, and to be gracious unto us in our weakness. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16
May the grace of God supply all of our needs today. As we humble ourselves in repentance; tell somebody about the risen Savior of the world, and walk in the wisdom that comes from God. He has made us righteous and set us apart by His redemptive blood. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”
The Times of Ignorance have passed. Therefore, let us walk in the knowledge of truth all the days of our lives. In true repentance and the righteousness of God that brings salvation.
Maranatha
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