39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:39-43 (NIV)
The key element in salvation - to be forgiven of our sins - is faith - belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. And this is not merely a blind faith as Peter attests to. Peter, James and John had all been eyewitnesses of His majesty on the mount of transfiguration. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
This message of forgiveness of sins was spoken through the prophets of old as well. Jeremiah tells us God will forgive our wickedness and remember our sins no more. Christ’s death is the only means by which God can forgive our sins and remember them no more. Sadly, the dust of worldliness can blind our eyes to the sin within. Yet, sin only works bitterness and death in a life. It is pure unmixed evil. However excellent our words and works may be, if our hearts are not conscience of our need for a Savior and hell deserving of our sins, we cannot expect to find forgiveness. If we desire forgiveness, we must acknowledge our sin and not seek to vainly cover our iniquity. The Lord sees all. The Lord came for all. “15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV)
25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God. Ezekiel 36:25-28 (NIV)