Remission is Possible
That’s what the commercial on television said — remission is possible. It was touting the benefits of a medication that gives hope to people with a serious medical condition.
Fortunately, I do not have the condition that is supposed to be helped by this medication, but I believe I know how I would feel if I did have this condition. I believe that I would find this information to be very interesting. In fact, I believe that I would be excited about the prospect of overcoming the chronic condition it is supposed to help with.
I can easily see myself thoroughly investigating the claims. I have no trouble believing that, if the claims proved to be valid, I would begin treatment as soon as possible.
Each of us has a problem that is much more serious than any physical condition; no matter how serious that condition is. The effects of that problem do not merely limit us in this life. They separate us from God in this life and, unless forgiven, for eternity.
Some verses from the pen of the apostle Paul found in his letter to the Romans are among the many which could be considered in this discussion.
The universal nature of our condition may be found in Romans 3:10 & 23 —
“…None is righteous, no, not one” (v. 10).
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (v. 23).
The devastating effect of this condition is found in Romans 6:23. Fortunately, that same verse holds out for us a wonderful promise. Please consider both the bad news and the good news contained in these few words:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”
When the people listened to Peter and the other apostles on the Day of Pentecost, they were convicted of their sin. That conviction prompted them to ask what could be done (cf. Acts 2:37). Without being trite, I believe that it could be said that they were seeking a cure for the most terrible condition they could imagine.
They soon discovered that remission was not only possible; it was promised. They were told to —
“Repent and be baptized every one of you on the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission (forgiveness) of your sins…” (Acts 2:38).
We have already seen that eternal life is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23). Two New Testament verses inform us clearly that we are “…baptized into Christ…” (cf. Romans 6:3 & Gal. 3:27).
If I believed that it might be possible for a particular medication to help me with a serious medical condition, I cannot see myself hesitating to give it a try. I’m wondering why so many will not take hold of the promise of remission/forgiveness of sins.
In other words, I’m wondering why so many do not respond the same way that Saul of Tarsus responded when he was asked —
“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name (the name of the Lord).” (Acts 22:16)
Have you been told to do the same thing he was told to do?
Have you done that?
If not; why would you wait?
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
