Study of Acts 2:38 – 42
The question is “when is the person’s sin forgiven,” and “when is the Holy Spirit received.”
The words we have recorded of what Peter spoke to his listeners are found in verses 14-39. Verse 40 reads: “And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them saying, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” I won’t try to “imagine” what else he told them, but then again, I might “imagine” he told them a faithful life till death brings you to a heavenly home.
Joel 2:28-32 are the words Peter quotes in Acts 2:17-21. Verse 21 is the key verse. It reads: “And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Look now at verses 38 and 39, which say this: 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.” (NIV)
When we are called by God, through the gospel, to turn from our sin or repent, and we ask to be baptized for the forgiveness of our sin, we are “calling on the name of the Lord to be saved.” God is faithful. He will forgive us our sin, He will give us His Holy Spirit to live within us, and He will take us from walking on the wide road that leads to destruction and set us upon the narrow road which leads to life (Eternal Life).
When a person does what Peter says, God does what He says He will do. Walking on the wide road gives us a fear of Hell, but walking on the narrow road gives us peace because God cleans our conscience (Our sins are forgiven.) See Hebrews 10:22.
Note: When we follow or obey what Peter tells us to do, we are obeying God and not following man-made traditions. Matthews 5:13, 14. 13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
8/30/2025
Larry E. Whittington
God bless all who read. Thank you.
Yes, it is so simple to see this for those who truly seek Him!
Great thoughts. Thank you for sharing!