FREEDOM

Today's reading: Acts 12-13

"Brothers, listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God--something the Jewish law could never do." Acts 13:38-39 NLT

As Paul stood speaking to this group of devout Jews this day in Antioch, he offered them a freedom none of them had ever tasted before.

A freedom some of them thought they had because they had shown up for service that day.

A freedom some of them thought they had earned by keeping all the traditions and practices written down for them to follow.

A freedom some of them thought they had inherited through DNA and ancestry.

A freedom some of them thought they had received upon sliding into the priestly garments and tassle-embellished robes their roles required them to wear.

But as they listened to Paul, they realized they were still chained. Locked up. Imprisoned. Held captive.

Only Jesus frees us from our sins.

Only His blood releases us from guilt.

Only the working of the Cross proves to be a pathway for us to have a right relationship with God.

Not deeds. Not traditions. Not specific acts of religion. Not inheritance. Not church membership.

Only Jesus.

Only Jesus.