Pentecost
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. For the promise is to you and to your children. . . . Those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (Acts 2:38, 39, 41)
The best part about the 4th of July Fireworks, or any good concert is the big finish!
On this first “Christian Pentecost,” unusual things happened. The sound of a mighty wind, apparent tongues of fire, foreign languages spoken with ease by the disciples, the disciples proclaiming Jesus, the Savior from sin, boldly and with wisdom. All amazing things! Yet, if that is all that had happened, how significant would the day have been? The real significance is borne out as Peter’s Spirit-led words drew to a close. Peter urged the people to be separated from the comrades of Satan around them and to be baptized. They did.
Baptism is “not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.” (1 Peter 3:21) Paul recalls the invitation he received, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins!” (Acts 22:16) “According to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5) Baptism is a special gift of God—we call it a sacrament—by which each is personally welcomed into the Holy Christian Church, personally assured of forgiveness in Christ, and adopted into God’s family. Its power lies in the command and promises of God, not in the doing of the deed. Baptism is for young and old alike, a special means of grace for faith to embrace—“You are washed clean in Jesus!” In love, God reaches out to sinners.
Through Baptism, the Holy Spirit was showered upon the hearts of many listeners. Three thousand were added to the Church family that day! Through the work of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, they, by faith, will abide in heaven forever! Big Finish!
Lord, thank you for the gift of the water and the Word, by which I, a sinner, am led to cling to Jesus for forgiveness. Amen!