This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. (Acts 2:23)
Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified. (Acts 2:36)
We tend to think that the gospel message speaks mostly of God’s great love for us and that Jesus died to save us and deliver us. Although this is true, save us and deliver us from what?
Peter exposed the wickedness of his listeners as he preached the Good News. He didn’t speak of God’s love! He spoke to their need. Only when their hearts were pierced did he speak of forgiveness.
“You nailed this Man to the cross.” “You put Him to death.” “God has made Him both Lord and Christ.”
The Good News is only good when we understand what we have done and what we deserve! Salvation only means something when we see the danger and fully understand our great need to be saved. God’s love only touches our hearts when we comprehend the cost. News without understanding our depravity and need is no more than casting pearls before swine.
When we finally understand our need for salvation and the cost Christ paid for every one of our sins, then the news that Peter proclaimed: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” is truly GOOD NEWS! More than good news, this is great news!
