SCOFFERS

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: “ ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’ ” —Acts 13:38-41

Get on the lifeboats! Quick, the ship is sinking! Many laughed, saying, “Ah, it is only a drill.” The warning came again and again, but it was ignored. People scoffed at the news. A few lifeboats move away from the ship, but most of the people went on about their business as if nothing was said. The ship went down as warned.

So it is today and so it has been always. Most people scoff at the idea they need Jesus to be forgiven of their sin so they can serve Him now and to be with Him in heaven when they die. The sad thing about those scoffing at salvation through Jesus is that they are on their way to perishing in hell and even joke about it. In First Corinthians 1:18 we read “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Most people don’t want to hear about Jesus and “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:18-20). God has made it plain that He exists and nobody can say they did not know. Psalm 19:1-4 tell us that “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” I have heard people say they just need more evidence. God says that the evidence is all around them, that it is plain to them and they suppress it.

Yes, Jesus took the justice that you and I deserve and all who trust Him will be set free from the power and penalty of sin. Those who trust Jesus are given God’s righteousness because they have none of their own (II Corinthians 5:21). Those who truly trust Jesus are forgiven of all their sin, are able to serve Him now and one day will be in heaven where everything will be perfect! It is amazing that the majority of people would reject Jesus and make the choice of going to hell. How sad…

Dear Father, thank You for the justice, forgiveness and salvation found in Jesus. May many more people hear this Good News and respond by trusting Jesus as well.