Saturday, June 4, 2011

Gospel Invitation

Acts 2

37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”

As the first Gospel sermon concludes, those who have been listening respond with the only logical question there is: “what should we do?” They have been moved to a time of decision. Peter tells them in plain language exactly what they should do: they should repent (turn from sin and turn towards God), and be immersed (baptized) into Christ in order that their sins can be forgiven, and so that they may be filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit. That same invitation is applicable today, and the promise still holds true as is explained in verse 39. Since we know that God doesn’t want anyone to perish, but wants all men to come to Him, then we know that God is calling EVERYONE to accept this Gospel message and invitation.

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