What Do We Do Now?

Acts 2:37-38

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

When Peter gave that infamous sermon on the day of Pentecost, he presented the gospel that was based on his own eyewitness, day-to-day account he had with Jesus. He was there every moment of Jesus' ministry. He worshiped Jesus. He loved Jesus. He stood up for Jesus, and he denied Jesus - not once, but three times. Yet, because of Jesus' great love for Peter, He restored Peter. From then on Peter went on to champion the gospel of Christ.

As he finished his sermon, the men of the crowd were amazed, and astonished - the bible said "they were cut to the heart." This moving of the Holy Spirit prompted these people to ask the one question that was on everyone's mind - "What shall we do?" or perhaps in modern terms we might ask, "What do we do now?"

Peter's answer was simple and direct, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins"

Okay. But what does it mean to repent and does baptism lead to salvation. First, repentance is an act of contrition and sorrow for sinning against a holy God. It is also described as doing a 180 degree about face from your former ways and walking in the light of spirit and truth in Jesus Christ by way of His death and resurrection, for the gift of grace in faith alone in Christ alone, for the forgiveness of your sins and to secure your hope for everlasting life.

If you hear the gospel, by the mouth of a preacher or a friend or loved one, you may ask "What do I need to do now?" The answer is simple as it ever was. Believe in Jesus Christ and place your complete trust and faith in Him for the forgiveness of your sins, through His atoning death and resurrection.

Next, be baptized. This is not a prerequisite for salvation, but it is an outward expression of your inward joy and salvation. It is an act of obedience in following Jesus.

Just be sure you are saved and born again. Repent and confess that Jesus is Lord today and you will be saved.

Romans 10:13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”