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Articles
Conversions in Acts 2
We would like to study for a few moments about the conversions that took place on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2.
After the apostles were baptized in the Holy Ghost, verses 1-13, we read in verses 14ff Peter's speech there on the day of Pentecost. Peter preaches to the people the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He shows by the O.T. scriptures that Jesus would die, and that he would be raised from the dead. Peter says that they were witnesses of the resurrected Lord. He says in vs.36, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Now this brings conviction to the hearts of many, for we read in vs.37, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" This is a very important question for any man or woman to ask, "what shall we do?" Folks have to see the need for salvation, for this is basic to being saved. For if a person does not realize that they are lost, they will see no need for a Savior. Now Peter had been preaching to them about the Savior Jesus Christ, they had heard the gospel message, and Peter told them to believe, to "know assuredly" vs.36. But there is more to being saved than hearing and believing, and how do we know this? Because of the answer that Peter gives in verse 38, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Now beloved, this is not the answer we commonly hear today when one asks what to do to be saved. But this is the answer an inspired apostle gives, that we must repent and the baptized by the authority of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. It is beyond me why people reject and change the Lord's teaching on baptism. Baptism is a condition of salvation just like faith, repentance, and confession, are conditions of salvation. Notice in vs.41, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Notice that it says that they were baptized that same day, they did not wait several days or weeks as is practice today in human denominations. Have you done as they did on the day of Pentecost?
