And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
To Him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
Acts 10:42-43

Peter explains here what the Lord Jesus commanded them to preach after His resurrection. The message has two parts: one, that a day of judgment is coming and He, Jesus, is the Judge; and two, that everyone who believes (puts their trust) in Him receives forgiveness of sins by His name.

This is the ultimate “get out of jail” card. Trusting in Him, you have been given a card with the name of the Judge on it, and the card says, “Let this one go free!”

Believing in Him, believing His promise of forgiveness, changes me. I’m suddenly thrust into a special relationship with the Lord of the Universe. I’m member of His family, and that makes me want to behave like one.

I don’t do it perfectly, but the relationship is still the same. I’m one of His, and He’s the judge; there is no higher authority, and He says I’m free.

Lord Jesus, I know that You are the Judge before whom I will stand one day to give an account of my life. Thank You for giving me Your forgiveness now, so that I can quit worrying about the judgment and go to work on cleaning up my life. Give me the strength I need today to live like what You say I am: one of Your own. Thank You, Lord! Amen!

Pastor Dan Giles