Our scripture this morning is Acts 2:38-39 (NLT).
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. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
Peter gives the crowd (and us) specific instructions on how to be saved: repent and turn to God, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. There is no other way to salvation. Jesus Himself told us “no one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Being baptized is a public declaration of accepting God’s forgiveness and grace in our lives. Even Jesus was baptized to declare His love for God and to show us what that means. Many describe this as an outward sign of an inward change, a signal to ourselves and the world that we belong to Christ. The gift of the Holy Spirit comes to those who dedicate themselves in this way.
Peter says the kingdom of God is for all who accept His love and forgiveness, covering the earth and extending through generations of humanity. God doesn’t care who you think you are or who the world thinks you are; He made you and He knows who you are! May we see ourselves and each other as His children, forgiven, blessed and sent in His name.
Heavenly Father, in Your mercy You made a way for all to be saved. Help us to share Your love and care with all our brothers and sisters. Amen.
