Basic Beliefs

Scripture – Acts 10:39-43: ³⁹“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, ⁴⁰but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. ⁴¹He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴²He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Reflection: These are some powerful and very basic truths. As Peter reminds us of what we already know, he touches on four important realities.

One – Jesus was killed. He was born into this world as a human being. He lived and experienced life as all of us do. He felt things as we do – cold, heat, impatience, frustration, love, etc. And He died.

Two – God raised Him from the dead. In the resurrection, God demonstrated that death is not the end of life. Jesus Christ stood up against the worst the world could do to Him and He emerged victorious. That gives me great hope as I face the few troublesome things I have today.

Three – Peter was one of the witnesses to the resurrection. He knew Jesus before the cross. He ate and drank with Him after the cross. This resurrection really, physically happened.

Four – I have forgiveness of my sins through my belief in Christ. In Him I am freed from the natural consequences of my sin. Day after day, I have a fresh beginning in life. The grace of God is truly amazing.

How do these truths impact your life? What better option is there than trusting in Jesus Christ?