Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.
Peter's answer to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost.
The episode in a glance.
- 01Three thousand people were cut to the heart by Peter's sermon.
- 02'Repent' means to turn from sin and toward God.
- 03'Be baptized' is the public declaration of new allegiance.
- 04The gift of the Holy Spirit is promised to everyone.
Read along.
Acts 2:38 — 'And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."' This is the climax of the first Christian sermon.
Peter has just preached that Jesus, whom the crowd crucified, was raised from the dead and made Lord and Christ. The response is devastating. They're cut to the heart. 'What shall we do?'
Peter's answer is two commands and a promise. Repent — turn around. Stop going your own way. Turn toward God. Be baptized — publicly identify with Jesus in his death, burial, and resurrection. That's the entrance.
'For the forgiveness of your sins.' The result of repentance and baptism is forgiveness. Not earned. Received. The guilt of crucifying the Messiah is washed away. And the promise extends further.
'You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' Not just the apostles. Not just the especially holy. Everyone. The gift is for you, your children, and everyone God calls. That's the promise. Turn. Identify. Receive.