Peter concluded his Acts 2 gospel presentation by exhorting his hearers to take steps to save themselves from God’s looming judgment.
Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Acts 2:40 (NLT)
Those people had recently murdered their Messiah, which made them all the more ready to respond. We are far removed historically from that event, but all of us are guilty of betraying our Maker. There is none righteous in God’s sight, not even one.
As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. Romans 3:10 (NLT)
None of us wants to be judged for our sins. Unless our consciences have been “seared,” we all know that we are guilty before God. The Bible teaches us that the “wages of sin” is death. One of the unchangeable attributes of God is his justice. He hates sin and cannot wink at evil. He plays no favorites, but judges equitably. Although his mercy and patience are phenomenal, there is a limit, after which the fury of his wrath against sin and hardened sinners will be unleashed. Before judgment arrives, however, he invites us to take advantage of this space of time to repent from our sins and turn to him for forgiveness by believing the Good News that Jesus died for our sins.
The Gospel declares that Jesus bore the brunt of God’s wrath against sin on the cross on our behalf so that we who believe can escape unharmed.
Those of us who believe and respond to this good news and place our allegiance in the risen Christ Jesus, the Lord, will be saved.
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9–10 (NLT)
Those of us who refuse this invitation to be reconciled to God consign ourselves to judgment.
...But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life... Acts 13:46 (NLT)
The Gospel is our hope to escape judgment and eternal condemnation.
I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24 (NLT)
The time of God’s judgment is near. Do not suppose that God’s mercy is unlimited. Turn to him today while we have the opportunity.
For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)
