Acts 3:17-26 God's Response

Peter did not leave the Jews he was addressing without hope.  He pointed out "that they had acted in ignorance while at the same time they had fulfilled the Word of God.  In the Old Testament law, there was a difference between deliberate sin and sins of ignorance (Lev 4-5).  The person who sinned presumptuously was a rebel against God and was guilty of great sin ... The defiant high-handed sinner was condemned, but the person who sinned unwittingly and without deliberate intent was given opportunity to repent and seek God's forgiveness.  Ignorance does not remove the sinner's guilt, but it does mitigate the circumstances."

"Jesus had prayed, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they doe,' and God had answered that prayer.  Instead of sending judgment, He sent the Holy Spirit to empower His church and to convict lost sinners ... The cross was the meeting place of divine sovereignty and human responsibility ... God had a plan from all eternity, yet His plan did not force men to act against their own will ... When God cannot rule, He overrules and always accomplishes His divine purposes and decrees."

Father, You are so wise and loving and forgiving.  Thank You for being all of that and more to me!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford