The Simplicity of the Gospel

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 (NIV)

On the day of Pentecost, Peter got up in front of a large crowd and said:

“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

What do you think Peter answered when he heard that question? I can tell you what he didn’t say. He did not say what many people in modern Christianity would say. He did not say, “If you want to acknowledge Jesus, just go to church, make a whole lot of noise, clap your hands, sing in a choir, serve in a ministry, plant a seed and witness to the salvation of Jesus.” He didn’t say any of that.

Don’t get me wrong, all of those are good things. If you love Jesus, you ought to praise, sing, go to church, witness, and serve. But what Peter said is simply this: “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.”

You don’t get the forgiveness of sins and the Holy Ghost just because you come to church. You get them because you repent of your sins.

It’s as simple as that.