v 47. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’
Repentance and remission of sins are the first things which ought to be pressed on the attention of every man, woman and child throughout the world. All ought to be continually reminded that repentance and remission of sins are inseparably linked together. Not that our repentance can purchase our pardon: pardon is the free gift of God to the believer in Christ; but it still remains true that a man impenitent is a man unforgiven.
He that desires to be true Christian must be experimentally acquainted with repentance and remission of sins. These are the principal things in saving religion. To belong to a pure Church, and hear the Gospel, and receive the sacraments, are great privileges: but are we converted? Are we justified? If not, we are dead before God. Happy is the Christian who keeps these two points continually before his eyes. Repentance and remission are not mere elementary truths, and milk for babes; the highest standard of sanctity is nothing more than a continual growth in practical knowledge of these two points. The brightest saint is the man who has the most heart-searching sense of his own sinfulness, and the liveliest sense of his complete acceptance in Christ.
A Prayer for the week. Heavenly Father, please make me sensitive to my sin, quick to repent, and then to accept your loving forgiveness. AMEN.