There is a very interesting and enlightening story in the 12th Chapter of the book of Acts regarding the Apostle Peter. King Herod imprisoned him with designs to have him executed just like he had done previously to James, the brother of John. While he was in prison, some followers of the new Christian movement were gathered to pray for his deliverance and one night an angel of the Lord, despite the fact that Peter was chained and sleeping between two guards, came and freed him. Peter thought he was having a vision and, after passing all the different guard stations, he suddenly found himself all alone out in a street some distance from the prison. Finally, Peter said to himself “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” (Acts 12:11)  

 

       The feature of the story that I felt led to call your attention to today was the fact that, on that day and hour, Peter was a free man and didn’t know it. His being in the dark regarding his freedom was momentary, but in the case of many believers today it can last for years, even a lifetime. Many Christians find it hard to believe that they are really free from condemnation although the Bible states quite clearly in Romans 8:1 that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ. And many have fallen victim to the devil’s lies and accusations. He is a master at reminding people of their past and convincing them they’ll never be worthy of Heaven. It is no wonder that the Bible calls him “the father of lies” and “the accuser of the brethren.” The truth is that nobody is worthy of salvation. If only sinless people went to Heaven, it would be completely empty today. Salvation is by grace, and it has never depended on us but on Christ. It is not a matter of us holding on to Him, but Him holding on to us, and because He does, our salvation will always be secure. Jesus said: “And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither can anybody pluck them out of my hand.” (See John 10:28) Christ did not come into this world to condemn, but to save; (see John 3:17) and all God’s children have been freed from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)