Good morning,
The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas.
So what happens next?
Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.
This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.
Hearers receive salvation (2:37-40)
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
Peter preaches, the Holy Spirit convicts, and the people ask, ”…what shall we do?” Repent. They had to repent of their sins. A person needs to understand that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. They then repent, or acknowledge their sin, and ask God to forgive them. Then by faith they accept Christ as Savior and Lord.
Then they are baptized. Baptism does not save. Believer’s baptism happens after one has accepted Christ. The believer is identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection, of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All believers should be baptized as Jesus was by immersion. All of us should be willing to identify ourselves as believers by being publicly baptized.
I have. Have you?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
Leave a Reply