Invitation to decide

After presenting the gospel, Paul extends an invitation to decide: “And through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.” (1) The theme here is the Law of Moses. There was a sin for which one could not be justified through the Law of Moses. (a) Numbers 15:30 states: “But the person who does wrong defiantly, whether he is a native or a stranger, that one is blaspheming the Lord; and that person shall be cut off from among his people.” (b) The Mishnah lists 36 unforgivable sins. If any of the following sins were committed intentionally, there was no way to be justified (bestiality, incest, idolatry, blasphemy, Sabbath violation, violations of the Passover or the Day of Atonement, and so on). (2) However, through Jesus, forgiveness of sin is available in all respects. (a) According to the Gospels, only God has the authority to forgive sins. (b) Here, Paul is declaring both the Messiahship and the divinity of Jesus. “Therefore, see that the thing spoken of in the Prophets does not come upon you: ‘Look, you scoffers, and be astonished, and perish; For I am accomplishing a work in your days, A work which you will never believe, though someone should describe it to you.’” (1) A word of warning is given here. Jesus is greater and more powerful than the Torah. Therefore, one should change their faith and worldview accordingly. (2) Paul’s sermon ends with a quotation from Habakkuk 1:5. The “work” that God has done refers to the resurrection of Jesus. Those who do not believe in it will perish. Break the cycle of unbelief of your ancestors and avoid judgment. 

In summary

What must be understood in order to be saved? (1) There were people who had a certain level of faith but were not yet saved: (a) the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39), (b) Cornelius (Acts 10), (c) Apollos (Acts 18:24-28), (d) the twelve disciples in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7). (2) Salvation is given through trust (faith) in God (Jesus Christ). What is crucial is how one believes in Jesus Christ. A minimal understanding of the gospel is required for saving faith. (3) The “three elements of the gospel” constitute this minimum understanding: (a) Jesus died for our sins. (b) He was buried in the grave. (c) He rose again on the third day. If one cannot believe in the resurrection, faith in a living Savior cannot exist.