When Peter preached the truth about Jesus Christ in Acts
chapter two, he left thousands of listeners wondering what they should
do next.
The apostle’s response in verse 38 is simple. He says,
“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for
the forgiveness of your sins.” As a result, 3,000 people were added to
their numbers that day.
Is this the message of most churches today? Does it seem
strange that Peter said “repent” instead of “believe”? Actually,
Scripture often uses these concepts together. Repentance and faith are
two sides of the same coin. Both are essential for salvation and each
is dependent upon the other.
But, in terms of salvation, you can’t separate faith and
repentance. To be saved, you must place faith in Christ for the
forgiveness of sins. That decision requires a change of mind, or
repentance, about your way of life. Both happen at the same time.
Yet, many people mistakenly believe they must repent before
they can make a faith decision for Jesus. Repentance doesn’t mean we
must completely change our ways and “clean ourselves up” so we can then
receive Christ as Lord. There should actually be no delay or separation
between repentance and faith.
If you’re holding off on a decision for Christ until you
think you’re “ready” or “worthy,” then you’re waiting in vain. Jesus is
ready to receive you right now. Only as a child of God will you find
the power???His power???to truly become the person He created you to be.
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