Acts 2:38 – Verse of the Day 9/20/13

This instruction concludes Peter’s “first Christian sermon” on the day of Pentecost.  His emphasis on repentance and baptism reflects the ministry of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1) and Jesus (Matthew 4:17), and also Jesus’ instructions in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-19).  The consistent point in all these passages is that salvation is not only a private event, but a public one as well.  Our personal repentance is to be accompanied by a public sign of our incorporation into the visible body of Christ.

As you reflect on this climactic instruction from Peter’s sermon, use it as an opportunity to spend some time repenting for your sin.  Ask the Lord not only to forgive you for your sin, but also to enable you to turn away from it.  As you pray, ask the Lord to help you to see repentance not only as a private event, but a public one as well.  Ask the Lord to help you by giving you a desire for the accountability of the body of Christ.  Most of all, thank the Lord for saving you and for the gift of His Holy Spirit!