Fri 4th September – Acts chapter 2:36-41:

Fri 4^th September                  Read Acts chapter 2:36-41:

V36:  So, let these Jews, representing in some sense all of Israel, truly know that the One they crucified has indeed been raised, exalted and vindicated by God the Father, showing Him to be the true Christ, the promised One, the Lord – only to God does this title truly belong in the NT – and to His Son, equally God with the Father ( and the Holy Spirit.)

V37:  Under the power of the Holy Spirit, at work through His Word, the hearers are ” cut to the heart” – convicted of their sin in rejecting Jesus. They cry out to Peter and the others, as “brothers” – fellow Jews – ” what shall we do?”  Oh to see God work like this in our day, convicting people of their sin, causing them to ask believers what they should do!

V38-39:  The answer is uncompromisingly declared – Repent and turn to Christ in faith ( clearly implied in the command to be baptised, for this is more than John the Baptist’s baptism of repentance, it is “in the name of Jesus Christ”, speaks of forgiveness of sins, and with it the promise of the Holy Spirit given to them, and to all who believe – all future generations, all from afar, whom God will call to Himself in living faith. It is clear, then,  that the Holy  Spirit is given to all believers.

V40:  Much else is said, though not recorded here. In it all, Peter earnestly exhorts his hearers to believe and be saved. God’s grace is sovereign in salvation, but never forget He works through the faithful witness and gospel testimony of His people. ( See Romans 10:13-15 )

V41:  And in a wonderful work of grace ” about 3000 souls” believe, repent and are saved that day, and added to the company of believers – remember, just 120 before this happened ( ch1:15.) What an increase! Oh that God would do such a work again in our day – but how would we receive it, if He did?