Imagine you are in a heated discussion between two groups of people. You have a side picked out that you believe to be right. You argue and fight vehemently because you are certain your point of view is correct. As you truly listen to “the other side” of the discussion, you suddenly realize you are actually wrong. What do you do? Those men in Acts 2 who had just demanded that Jesus die had just such a discussion. About 3,000 of them realized just how wrong they had been and asked the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Their humility allowed their hearts to admit that they were wrong. Their desire to be right with God prompted them to find the truth and to correct their actions. Previously, they had a false sense of security; they were right in their own minds until they realized that they were actually wrong.
Then, they heard the answer. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” They knew what they needed to do to be right with God. They simply had to obey the command of the Lord handed down through the apostles. Those 3,000 were immersed on that day for the forgiveness of their sins in the name of the Lord. Their false sense of security was replaced with true forgiveness, and the Lord’s church began that day. In verse 39, Peter said that this promise endures to all who are “far off.” That would include us.
Some today have a false sense of security. They have been given instructions different from Peter’s on the Day of Pentecost. They feel as certain as those Jews who insisted that Jesus be killed. There is no salvation outside the blood of Jesus Christ, and you have not contacted that blood outside of penitent baptism. Are you secure in your salvation? If so, make sure your security is founded in the blood that makes one secure.
