Scripture

Peter replies, “Each of you must repent of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Observation

After the noisy, chaotic events of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter addresses the crowd. He testifies about Jesus, His death, and His resurrection.

God raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him to the highest place in heaven. He is the Messiah that Israel had been waiting for.

Peter then tells them that they need to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus. The promise of salvation is available to them, their children, and to the Gentiles.

So three thousand people are saved on that day.

Application

Peter’s summation of the gospel is simple: each one of us needs to turn away from our sins and follow the way of Jesus. It’s not enough to have christian parents, to be a part of a church, and ride on the coat tails of somebody else’s relationship with God.

No. God desires that we all walk with Him, responding to the Holy Spirit in our own capacity.

The Holy Spirit is given to all who truly follow Jesus. Pentecost was the big picture, so to speak, of an experience that should be true of every christian.

God desires to come into the heart of every disciple, dwelling, equipping and directing us. He does not do this against our will, but with our permission and co-operation. The aim is that, by the grace of God, we become like Jesus both in character and in expressing the power of God’s kingdom.

This promise of salvation is open to everyone. It is not limited in time or space. It is available down the ages right through to now. It is available to everybody. It is not a Jewish thing or a western religion. God loves every person wherever they are.

How can we know our sins are forgiven? Just repent and ask God to forgive.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the gospel of salvation. You promise to set everyone free who turns to Jesus. Thank you for doing this. Amen.