Acts 2:36–39: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then 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. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
This is for a people who had the Word of God, who had heard the message, who knew the prophecies. They had been going along in one direction, which was away from God, even though they had a God–given religion. They are told to repent. They are to turn around and come God’s way. Peter says to them, “Repent, and be baptized.” Water baptism would be the evidence that they had repented, that they had come to Christ and had put their trust in Him. Peter says to them, “Be baptized … in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. This will be an evidence that you have trusted Him for the remission of your sins—rather than bringing a sacrifice to be offered in the temple.” You see, their baptism would be a testimony to the fact that Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. “And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Anyone who believes, who puts his trust in Jesus Christ, will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Nineteen hundred years ago you and I were “afar off.” He is talking about us here. 1
Your Word is Truth
Do you still allow the Holy Spirit to cut you to the heart over your unrepentant sin?
Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. –Romans 8:30
You Alone are God
Repentance means turning around and going His way for the rest of your life. – TWEET IT
Your Will be Done
Lord, thank You for Your saving grace that keeps saving me everyday from my sin.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Church History (Acts 1-14) (electronic ed., Vol. 40). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
