When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall 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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 2:37-39 (NIV)
The gospel is never powerless. It carries the power of God to convict, to save, and to give the Spirit. Repentance opens the way for forgiveness and for the Spirit’s fullness. This call is for those who have not yet believed in Christ to turn to Him, and for Christians to keep turning back to Him.
On Pentecost, Peter preached a simple message, but the Holy Spirit made it powerful. The crowd was “cut to the heart” and cried out, “What shall we do?” The gospel is God’s power for salvation (Romans 1:16), then and now.
Peter’s response was clear: repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Repentance is turning from sin and unbelief to Christ. Baptism is the sign of new life in Him. And the Spirit is God’s gift of presence and power to every believer.
This call is not just for the first hearers but also for us. Repentance is not a one-time doorway but a daily rhythm of discipleship. It keeps us tender to the Spirit, cleansed from sin, and aligned with God’s will. Without repentance we grow dull. With repentance we walk in renewed intimacy, fresh expectation, and Spirit-empowered living.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gospel, Your power to save. Forgive me for proclaiming without expectation, and for neglecting repentance in my own life. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh. Keep me tender to Your leading, bold in witness, and alive in Your power. May my life and words point others to Jesus, that many will be cut to the heart and turn to Him. Amen.
“If you’ve been forgiven and if you’ve been redeemedSing the song forever to the LambIf you walk in freedom and if you bear His nameSing the song forever to the Lamb”
— Holy Forever, Chris Tomlin