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.”
Peter says two things must happen in this moment from this teaching. One, repent! Which means to turn away from something with Your mind, heart and will. The second element Peter calls them towards is baptism. Baptism is an
Outward expression
Of an
Inward decision
If you have repented from your sin, meaning you believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior of the world, and now you are willing to follow Jesus with your heart, soul, mind and strength, then the next step which should be as immediate as it is possible, should be to get baptized. In no way does this verse teach baptism saves anyone, but reveals the obedience of true repentance from an individual. One thing is necessary to be saved, to repent from our sins and believe in Jesus Christ! It is one thing and one thing only!! Father God, thank You for making the way of salvation simple enough for a 5 year old to understand, and then compelling us to reveal this heart decision through an act of obedience called baptism. Help me to explain this well, over and over again, so that this is crystal clear, and easy to follow Your heart and Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
ACTION: Be ready to give hope and life through the explanation, illustration, and application of God’s Word