AN EXCELLENT THUMBNAIL OF THE GOSPEL
ACTS 26:18
ACTS 26:18 NKJ
18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them 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.’
This is another one of "those" chapters. By "those," I mean a chapter full of powerful truths and insight. All of God's word is good, but some chapters particularly shine.
In this verse, Paul is reciting what Jesus spoke to him in a vision. This is the gospel in a microcosm.
To open their eyes so they can turn from darkness to light. If our spiritual eyes are shut, we can't tell the difference, but open we can see.
And from the power of Satan to God. This word power is the word authority. We are no longer under Satan's authority.
That they might receive forgiveness of sins. Notice forgiveness for our sins is something we receive. Forgiveness is a gift, not something we earn.
And an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. Those of us who have put our faith in Christ have been sanctified or set apart for God. And we have an amazing inheritance of light, strength, peace, grace, healing, and the list goes on and on.
This thumbnail sketch of the gospel is the primary reason we exist as a church to share this good news and learn how to operate in God's kingdom.
APPLICATION
This verse would be a good one to stop and thank God for and make it personal. Thank God my spiritual eyes are open. That I have turned from darkness to light. This verse describes what Jesus did for us. And we are grateful.