What role does faith in Jesus play in receiving forgiveness, according to Acts 26:18? Setting the Scene Paul recalls Jesus’ commission: “to open their eyes, so that they may turn 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.” (Acts 26:18) Word-by-Word Highlights • open their eyes – God initiates, exposing truth. • turn from darkness to light – repentance is a decisive change of allegiance. • receive forgiveness of sins – pardon is a gift, not earned. • inheritance – full family rights with God. • sanctified – set apart as holy. • by faith in Me – Jesus Himself identifies faith in Him as the channel. Faith: The Open Door to Forgiveness • Faith unites the sinner to Christ; without it, forgiveness is unattainable. • Forgiveness is not a reward for moral effort but a grace received when one relies on Jesus’ finished work. • The verse ties forgiveness and inheritance together, showing that faith brings immediate pardon and lasting family status. • Sanctification here is positional—God declares believers holy the moment they trust Christ. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Acts 10:43 – “Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” • Romans 3:22-25 – righteousness comes “through faith in Jesus Christ… for all who believe.” • Galatians 2:16 – justified “by faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law.” • Ephesians 2:8-9 – salvation is “by grace… through faith… not of works.” These passages reinforce that faith is the singular, God-ordained means of receiving forgiveness. Living It Out Today • Rest in the finished work of Christ rather than striving to earn peace with God. • Share the simplicity of the gospel: faith in Jesus brings total forgiveness and a secure inheritance. • Celebrate ongoing growth (progressive sanctification) that flows from the once-for-all sanctification received by faith. |
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