When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost in Acts 2, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addressed the crowd, who marveled at the disciples speaking in tongues because they were talking to them in their respective languages. Although some thought the disciples were drunk, most didn’t know what was happening, so they gave Peter their full attention as he explained what was happening.

In Peter’s sermon, he lays an accusation at the feet of the crowd about their culpability in the crucifixion of Jesus.

This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

Acts 2:23 (NIV)

Of the 3,000-plus men listening to Peter’s sermon, I’m sure that some of them participated in calling for Jesus’ death. However, I cannot help but think that some didn’t play a direct part in Jesus’ crucifixion. That is, they weren’t amongst those shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (Luke 23:21). Despite this, we are given this intelligence into how the people responded.

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Acts 2:37 (NIV)

None of us today were there in the crowd, shouting that the Lord be crucified, but we are culpable for his death because of our sins. Therefore, when we read the Gospel message, we ought not to think ourselves innocent of Jesus’ blood. Instead, we ought to be like those who “were cut to the heart.” Then, we, too, should say, “What shall we do?”

Almost 2,000 years have passed since Peter gave that sermon, but the response is the same.

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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call” (emphasis added).

Acts 2:38-39 (NIV)

Peter was talking about us, for we are “all who are far off.” Those “the Lord [has called].” If you are reading this today and do not yet know the Lord, then now is the time. Now is the time to rejoice and be glad, for he calls you into a relationship with him. He is calling you to repent and be saved. If you know Lord, rejoice, for you will spend eternity with him in the heavens above. Where there will be no more death, sickness, tears, or heartache.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

Advertisement