Series Big Idea: "Unpacking the book of Acts and the amazing spread of the gospel and the kingdom of God"

Sermon Big Idea: "Repentance leads to forgiveness, brings the Holy Spirit, and offers God's promise to everyone"

Key Scripture (Acts 2:37-40)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you realized the weight of your actions and felt overcome with guilt? Maybe it was a mistake you made, a hurtful word you said, or a harmful decision you regret. In those moments, we often long for a way to make things right and restore our relationship with God. Today, we are going to continue to unpack the Apostle Peter’s sermon in chapter two and look at his powerful message of repentance and how it fits into God’s salvation plan (Acts 2:37-40).

Remember the context up until this point. Multitudes of Jews were gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. The promised Holy Spirit had descended upon the disciples giving them the ability to proclaim the Gospel in languages of the people present that day (Acts 2:1-13). After this, in (Acts 2:14-36), Peter explains to them that what they were seeing and hearing was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel 2, where God promised to pour out His spirit on all flesh. Peter uses this opportunity to tell them about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and how it was also foretold by David in the Psalms. In these verses he lays out how repentance fits into God’s plan of salvation.

(Acts 2:37-40)

37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what must we do?” 38 “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!”

Repentance Leads to Forgiveness

It is important to understand that Pentecost was a Jewish festival that celebrated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. During this festival, Jews from all over the world would gather in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the temple. It was an opportunity for them to renew their commitment to the covenant with God. However, at this particular Pentecost, something extraordinary was happening, namely the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and it caught the attention of not only the Jews but also the Gentiles who were there.

The Jews were expecting the coming of the Messiah, but they were looking for a political leader who would overthrow the Roman occupation and establish a physical kingdom. They were not expecting a crucified Messiah who would bring about a spiritual kingdom. So, Peters message was a significant cultural shift and a challenge to their beliefs and expectations.

In these verses we see the response of the crowd to Peters message. They were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). This shows that the crowd was convicted by Peters message and felt a sense of guilt and urgency to respond.

Imagine a vase that has been broken into pieces. No matter how much you try to glue it back together, it can never be the same. These Jews realized that their sins had broken their relationship with God, and there was nothing they could do to fix it. But Peter said that through repentance, they would receive forgiveness and restoration with God. For us, the Bible says it is human nature to make mistakes and sin, but when we repent, we acknowledge our sin and turn away from them. This act of humility and surrender opens the door for Gods forgiveness and grace to flow into our lives.

Repentance Brings the Gift of The Holy Spirit

In response to the crowd's question, Peter tells them, “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.” (Acts 2:38). This was a call to repentance and a confirmation of the promise of the Holy Spirit that Jesus had given to his disciples before his ascension (Acts 1:4-5). Peter urged them to turn from their rejection of Jesus and turn to him in faith, and they would receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Peter makes it clear that repentance is not just a one-time event, but it has a lasting impact. When we repent and turn towards God, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our guide, comforter, and source of power in our Christian journey.

Just as a GPS guides us to our destination, the Holy Spirit guides us on our journey of faith. Without the Holy Spirit, we would be lost, but with Him, we have the power to overcome sin and live a life that pleases God. We must daily seek Christ through His Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in our lives. Through repentance, we invite Him into our hearts, and He empowers us to live a life that brings glory to God.

Repentance is For Everyone

Peter said that the promise of forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit is for everyone, as many as the Lord our God will call. This promise is not just for those who were present on the day of Pentecost, but for all generations to come.

In verse 39, Peter makes it clear that this promise was not only for the Jews but for everyone who God calls to himself. This was an essential message, and it was a preview of the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentile world. We must share this promise with those who are far from God, so they too have the opportunity to receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit through repentance.

Conclusion

As we close today, I want to remind you of the same question the crowd asked Peter: What shall we do? Maybe you’ve felt that tug in your heart today, recognizing your need for forgiveness and a fresh start with God. Like the Jews on the Day of Pentecost, you may feel the weight of sin and guilt, but the good news is that there is a way to be restored.

Peter’s answer remains the same: Repent and turn to Jesus. Repentance is more than just saying, I am sorry. It is a decision to turn from sin and turn toward God. And the promise is clear: when you repent, your sins will be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

This promise is for you today. No matter your past, no matter how far you feel from God, He is calling you to come to Him. If you have never made that decision, today is the day to respond. Jesus is ready to forgive, restore, and give you new life through His Spirit. Will you trust Him and take that step of faith? The invitation is open, come and be made new.

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

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