Text: Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
THE ONLY REMEDY IS REPENTANCE AND FAITH
Memory Verse: Romans 10:9 “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
After Peter preached the truth on the Day of Pentecost, the people were deeply convicted. Their hearts were “cut,” and they asked, “What shall we do?” Peter gave a clear and simple answer in Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”
Peter did not tell them to try harder, be nicer, or attend more religious events. He did not give them a list of good deeds to earn salvation. Instead, he pointed to the only true remedy for sin: repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Repentance means turning away from sin completely. It is not just feeling sorry or guilty. It is a full change of heart and direction. When someone repents, he say to God, “I was wrong. I want to leave my old ways and follow You.”
Faith means trusting in Jesus, believing that He is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again. Faith is not just knowing facts about Jesus. It means fully depending on Him for forgiveness and new life. These two repentance and faith go hand in hand. Repentance turns us away from sin, and faith turns us toward Jesus.
Some people think salvation is about self-improvement, being more kind, attending church, or reading the Bible more. While those things are good, they do not save us. Only a changed heart can lead to a changed life. And only Jesus can change the heart. When Peter’s message convicted the people, it hurt but that pain had a purpose. It was like a wound that needed to be healed. And the only healing comes through the blood of Jesus. The stab of conviction leads to the healing of redemption.
If you feel the Holy Spirit is showing you your sin, do not run from it. That conviction is a gift. Respond by repenting and placing your faith in Jesus. That is how salvation begins.
There is no other way to be saved. The only remedy is not religion, effort, or good behaviour, it is repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
COVENANT GATE HYMNALS 15; SS&S 607 I AM THINE, O LORD, I HAVE HEARD THY VOICE
| 1. I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, And it told Thy love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith, And be closer drawn to Thee. |
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Refrain Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, |
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2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, |
| 3. O the pure delight of a single hour That before Thy throne I spend, When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend! |
| 4. There are depths of love that I may not know Till I cross the narrow sea; There are heights of joy that I may not reach Till I rest in peace with Thee. |
Today’s Prayer
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- Lord, help me truly repent and trust in Jesus alone for forgiveness and new life.
- Holy Spirit, strengthen my faith and guide me daily in obedience and truth.
- Father, lead others to repentance and saving faith through the power of Your Word.
