GOSPEL TRUTH: “And some believed…”

A clear division in Acts 28:24….. 

“And some believed….. and some believed not.” 

                               (Acts 28:24) 

That’s how it always is. A clear dividing line exists, and each individual is found on one side or the other. There is no neutral position – though that dividing line can be crossed.

The end of the book of Acts describes the time Paul spent in Rome before his execution. He was living in his own “hired house” in the city (1) to which many people came – curious to know what exactly he had been teaching (2). From morning till evening Paul spoke to his listeners about Jesus, seeking to persuade them from the books of Moses and the prophets of the Old Testament who had written of His coming. As a result of hearing him, some were persuaded and “believed” while others maintained their original position and “believed not” (3).

The message has not changed, and neither have the consequences of hearing it. The human heart and mind are also the same as in Paul’s day. Some, hearing the message of God’s salvation today believe. Others are not persuaded and reject the message. Does this matter? Yes, it certainly does – for if we do not believe, we remain lost and will perish. If we are to be saved, we must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (4). If we do not believe, “the wrath of God” hangs over us (5).

The Bible does not teach that all will be saved in the end. Many entertain the hope that all will turn out alright in the end and that a benevolent God will allow everybody into heaven – or at least all who have been sincere. We must not be deluded. Like the people on the Titanic who boarded a lifeboat and were saved we, as individuals, must take the step of believing in Jesus Christ. This means turning to Him and asking God to forgive our sins on the basis of Christ’s once-for-ever sacrifice at the cross. To remain unbelieving will mean eternal separation from God and will result in being in Hell for ever.

Which side are you on? Are you still among those who “believed not” in Paul’s day, or will you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and ask Him to save your never-dying soul?

END NOTES:- (1)Acts 28:30.  (2)Acts 28:22.  (3)Acts 28:23-24.  (4)Acts 16:31.  (5)John 3:36.