What role does repentance play in responding to the message in Acts 2:37? Setting the Scene Acts 2 records Peter’s Pentecost sermon. He proves from Joel and the Psalms that Jesus—crucified and risen—is both Lord and Messiah. The listeners realize they have sinned against God’s chosen King. Conviction That Demands a Response “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ ” (Acts 2:37) • “Cut to the heart” signals Holy Spirit conviction (John 16:8). • Their question shows readiness to act, not mere curiosity. Repentance—Peter’s First Word “Peter replied, ‘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.’ ” (Acts 2:38) • Repentance heads the list because nothing else—faith, baptism, discipleship—makes sense without a heart turned from sin toward God. What Repentance Means • A change of mind about Jesus—seeing Him as Lord and Savior rather than a criminal (Acts 2:36). • A turning from self-rule to Christ’s rule (Mark 1:15). • A break with known sin (Isaiah 55:7). • Sorrow that produces change, not despair (2 Corinthians 7:10). • An ongoing posture, not a one-time feeling (Revelation 2:5). Why Repentance Is Essential • It acknowledges guilt—“we crucified the Lord of glory” (Acts 2:23). • It aligns the heart with God’s verdict on sin (Psalm 51:4). • It clears the way for forgiveness: “Repent…so that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19). • It invites the indwelling Spirit—God dwells only in cleansed hearts (Acts 5:32). • It leads naturally to baptism, the public pledge of a cleansed conscience (1 Peter 3:21). Results of Genuine Repentance 1. Forgiveness of sins—legal debt canceled (Colossians 2:13-14). 2. Gift of the Holy Spirit—power for new life (Ezekiel 36:26-27). 3. Inclusion in the new community—“about three thousand souls were added” (Acts 2:41). 4. Ongoing fruit—devotion to teaching, fellowship, worship, generosity (Acts 2:42-47). Living Out Repentance Daily • Confess sins quickly (1 John 1:9). • Replace old patterns with Spirit-led obedience (Ephesians 4:22-24). • Keep a soft heart by remembering the cross (Galatians 2:20). • Encourage others toward the same posture (Hebrews 3:13). Repentance, then, is the God-ordained doorway from conviction to salvation. The cry, “What shall we do?” finds its first and foundational answer in “Repent.” |
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