Acts 3:19-21 Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out… Peter had now proved that the people were in an evil. case, and pointed out that the only way of escape was by repentance and conversion. But the apostle urged this duty on three special grounds. I. IN ORDER THAT THEY MIGHT ATTAIN PROPER RELATIONS TO GOD. "That your sins may be blotted out." There stood against them an account by which they were bound, and that account could not be cancelled except through repentance. Then God would not treat them as sinners. The reason for this condition is obvious since God can do nothing that is morally unfit. To attain this right relation to God is to enter the way of ultimate personal perfection. II. IN ORDER THAT THEY MIGHT CEASE TO STAND IN THE WAY OF BLESSING DESIGNED FOR THEIR FELLOW-MEN. "That the times of refreshing," etc. The world was full of sin and weariness. God knew all about it, and had promisedseasons of refreshment. They were to be granted "from His presence," by His decree. But He would bless men through men, Repentance and conversion were therefore required. So now. Domestic piety will be promoted by those who penitently turn to God. The purification and quickening of particular churches will be aided by such as mourn over sin and forsake it. And the multiplication of purified and quickened churches would soon work mighty changes in Christendom. III. IN ORDER THAT THEY MIGHT PROMOTE THE COMING OF THE GREAT FINAL MANIFESTATION OF THE REDEEMER. "And He shall send Jesus." (W. Hudson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; |
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