Who then is Christ, if whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III



Who then is Christ, if whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins? St. Peter the Apostle said at the conversion of Cornelius: "To Him all the prophets witnessed that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43). Also, St. Paul the Apostle said at the Council of Antioch in Pisidia:

"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things" (Acts 13:38,39).

Of course we add to this belief the words of St. Peter the Apostle to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost. After they had been cut to the heart, they believed and enquired about the way of salvation. So St. Peter said to them: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Thence, belief leads to baptism, and baptism leads to remission of sins, and remission of sins involves justification through the blood of Christ. And there are numerous verses about belief and justification, and also about baptism that leads to receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:39); (Rom. 5:1).