The Promise of Forgiveness and Filling

“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:39 ESV)

Second day of the year. We still have resolve to live new, change things around a bit and have more adventure. Maybe you are more realistic, but I woke up today with great hope and the promise of a new year in its still shiny holiday feel.

The place of real promise is not in the date or what I might drum up to experience over the next 364 days however. Here is the genuine, valuable and life-altering promise. At repentance, turning from life under my terms and in disregard for God, and identification in Christ, believing that Jesus is my savior who lived and died in my place, I have the forgiveness of my sins. You too by the way.

Forgiveness of sins. Correction of all that is wrong. A way of relationship with the Creator. Mercy we could never earn. And with it you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. God indwelling you to remind you of your child of God status and glorify Christ in and through you. At this truth you have freedom and the empowerment to live the newness we all so desire. This is the best of adventures. Forgiven and filled.

Its a promise for all whom Jesus calls to himself. If you believe in him today, that’s you. Live in his calling, forgiveness and gift of the Spirit.