Marie’s daily verse: Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming (1 Peter 1:13).

DAILY DEVOTION, April 29, 2024

Acts 26:18: “ … to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified^[ by faith in Me.”

The context of this verse is the conversion of the Apostle Paul. Jesus is speaking, and He tells Paul his mission. He is to go to the Gentiles and share Christ with them. Those who listen and hear will have their spiritual eyes opened. They will leave the realm of darkness and enter the kingdom of light. All of this takes place through faith in Jesus Christ.

True Christians also receive things from God. First, they receive forgiveness of sins. Because our sins are washed away, we receive a second blessing, an inheritance. Our primary inheritance is the gift of everlasting life.

Then there is the word “sanctified.” It means we are set apart for service in God’s kingdom. As we serve God in the name of Jesus, our assurance of forgiveness and everlasting life grows. The more we serve, the stronger our confidence in God. If you are full of doubts, lacking assurance that you are unquestionably in God’s Kingdom, ask yourself this question: How active is your service in the Kingdom of God? Faith that does not go to work in God’s Kingdom will grow weak.

In one verse, Jesus gives Paul a summary of the Christian life. Faith in Jesus leads to forgiveness of sins, an eternal inheritance, being set free from Satan’s power and being set apart for service in God’s Kingdom. We are among the redeemed when all these elements are in our lives.

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for loving us so much that you sent Jesus to be our Savior. Thank You for the gift of sins forgiven.  Thank You for the gift of everlasting life. Thank You for allowing us to serve in Your kingdom. Keep us in true faith until life’s end, in Jesus’ name. Amen.