Acts 2:38&39
"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.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
When we are baptized, an indelible mark is made on our soul. This mark signifies a permanent transformation and dedication of the individual to God. Baptism is a washing away of original sin and a NEW BIRTH into the life of Christ. Once we are baptized, we are no longer under the power of sin. The old self, or the old nature, is seen as being done away with, so that we are no longer slaves to sin.
Today, we return to the book of Acts, written by the Apostle Luke. These verses record Peter’s speech to the crowd after the events of Pentecost. Peter is teaching us to change our minds and attitudes towards Jesus and our sins. He calls us to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, making a public declaration of our faith and repentance. The promise of forgiveness of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit is linked to our baptism.
And, pay attention to verse thirty-nine, where Peter says who Baptism is intended for. "YOU and your CHILDREN and for ALL!" This extends the promise of salvation to all people, including future generations and those who are geographically distant, emphasizing that the offer is open to anyone whom God calls.
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