Lesson 1906

(Lesson 1906)(01-11-17) ACTS 2:37-40

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation."

Today's lesson will conclude the study into Acts 2:37-40 and will be concentrated on the full intent of the lesson's quote.

Peter said "repent and be baptized for remission of sins". Lets first determine what achieves "remission of sins". Peter said it was "baptism" that remits sins. If that is true, what constitutes the "baptism" Peter referred to? That baptism is very clearly the immersion of one's self into the blood of Jesus Christ through faith in Him. NOT water immersion.

The following passages clearly establish that it is the blood of Jesus Christ that remits sins through repentance. Washing in water has NOTHING to do with remitting sin.

"For this is my BLOOD of the new testament, which is SHED for many FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS." (Matthew 26:28) "

"John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE for the remission of sins." (Mark 1:4)

"And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE for the remission of sins" (Luke 3:3)

"And that REPENTANCE and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47)

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHALL RECEIVE REMISSION OF SINS." (Acts 10:43)

"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation THROUGH FAITH IN HIS BLOOD, TO DECLARE HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS that are past, through the forbearance of God;" (Romans 3:25"

As Peter continued his sermon he, in essence, told those men that if they indeed repented and were bathed, by faith, in the blood of Jesus Christ, they would be saved, and would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

It is my prayer that all those who are deceived by, and place their faith in the contention that water "baptism" is a requirement for the remission of sins, would come to understand that water has NOTHING to do with eternal salvation. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Submitting one's self to water baptism is a work.~