Accept the Initiation: Baptism – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Acts 2:37-40

Key Verse: Acts 2:41

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Today’s devotional is the conclusion of yesterday’s thoughts, just as baptism was the conclusion of the events of Pentecost.  When thousands of Jewish people had gathered for their annual celebration of the giving of the law (Pentecost), our scripture records that the Holy Spirit of God fell on the disciples.  It came dramatically on this first group of God’s people.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire and they spoke in the languages of the many nations that were represented at the celebration.

The Apostle Peter explained the meaning of this dramatic anointing to the astounded crowd.  Some looked on in amazement; some looked on and laughed, thinking these disciples were drunk.  Peter set them all straight in a lengthy message on the new covenant of God, through Jesus His Son, that was being installed.

At the end of Peter’s powerful message, the people cried out, what should we do?  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” (Acts 2:38).  Those who accepted this message of Peter’s were baptized.  The scripture reported the numbers: 3,000 people were baptized and added to the church!

Baptism is the initiation for new believers.  It is the coming out and witnessing to the world—a decision has been made for Christ.

Father, thank you for the outward sign of baptism that testifies to what you did in my life.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.