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Acts 2:38 - The Greatest Gift Ever Given.

Acts 2:38 (NIV) 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 (NLT) Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38 (CWB) Peter answered, "You need to confess and forsake your sins and turn your lives over to God.  Then be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as a sign that you've been forgiven, and you, too, will receive the Holy Spirit.

INTRODUCTION

Note the steps in the blessed experience of becoming a Christian, as outlined in this verse: (1) repentance, (2) baptism, (3) remission of sin, (4) reception of the Holy Spirit. [SDA Bible Commentary]

If you want to follow Christ, you must "turn from sin ... and be baptized." To "turn from sin" means changing the direction of your life from selfishness and rebellion against God's laws. At the same time, you must turn to Christ, depending on him for forgiveness, mercy, guidance, and purpose. We cannot save ourselves - only God can save us. Baptism identifies us with Christ and with the community of believers. It is a condition of discipleship and a sign of faith. [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARL

The Greatest Gift Ever
   Who doesn't like getting a gift card - maybe for Google Play or for Amazon? Or a 0 gift card to Olive Garden or Barnes & Noble? Halcyon Jets, private planes for the extremely rich, has offered a million gift card. Called the Halcyon Dream Card, it can be used not only for flights but also for all sorts of luxury lodging and services.
   Sounds nice. But we know that the things of this world - including private jets and fancy vacations - quickly lose their glow. Gift cards can never substitute for heaven's greatest gift, a present that only comes when we turn our backs on self-centered living.
   Today's text promises us a gift that will change you from your miserable self into someone who reflects the character of God. "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we behold the selfless love of Christ, His Spirit changes us into the same image, from one stage of glory to the next.
   If we repent, if we are baptized, our sins are forgiven and we "receive the gift of the Holy Spirit: And what a gift He is - the Third Person of the Godhead! He will work in you, molding you into a new creation in Christ. That's infinitely better than the Halcyon Dream Card!
   Don't look to yourself. Look to Jesus and to His promises, not only of forgiveness but of the Holy Spirit, the greatest gift ever.
   Lord Jesus, fill with me Your Spirit, who will mold me into Your image. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

CLOSING THOUGHT

The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves. There will be a continual reaching out of the soul after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the heart before Him. At every advance step in our Christian experience our repentance will deepen. We shall know that our sufficiency is in Christ alone and shall make the apostle's confession our own: "I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing." "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Romans 7:18; Galatians 6:14. AA561

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Acts 2:38 - Repentance, Baptism And Power.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2010/20100604-1018.html

John 14:26 - Gift of the Holy Spirit in a Nutshell.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231011-0927.html

Psalm 51:10-12 - Getting Right With God.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220211-0902.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/