What Peter Said About Salvation

After the Apostle Peter proved to the men of Jerusalem that Jesus is the Messiah, the resurrected-glorified Messiah, the audience came under the conviction of the Holy Spirit and inquired as to what they ought to do in response to their realization that they not only have asked for the crucifixion of an innocent man but that of their own Lord and Christ (i.e., Messiah).

 The Apostle Peter, through the Holy Spirit, gave the following answer, a summary of the Christian doctrine on salvation:

1. Repent: Repentance is simply a turning of direction. The Apostle Peter was asking them to make a conscious decision to turn away from their previous hostile actions and attitude toward Jesus and profess Him as Lord and Christ (to call on the name of the Lord). There can be no forgiveness of sins without repentance.
2. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ: The act of baptism does not forgive sin. However, it illustrates the change of attitude on the part of the believer. It portrays the believer's repentance and faith and links it to God's forgiveness of sins and His imparting of the Holy Spirit.
3. [Be] forgiven for your sins: the promise of Joel 2:32 which was quoted by the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:21) was: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Although the sacrifice (i.e., the Lord Jesus) propitiated (atoned) for the sins of the whole world (cf. 1 John 2:2) on the cross, that forgiveness must be accepted by the sinner just like a criminal must still accept a presidential pardon to be released.
4. Receive the Holy Spirit: The Good News (i.e., the Gospel) is not only that God gives the gift of His Son for the forgiveness of sin but that we also get the gift of the Holy Spirit. "Having believed," the believer was "sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance" (Ephesians 1:13-14). Receiving the Holy Spirit is a guarantee that not only we will escape judgement but that will inherit the Kingdom with Christ. Now, that's is good news.

Have you changed your mind about who Jesus is and trusted in Him as Lord (God) and Christ (Savior) for the forgiveness of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit?