What Shall We Do

Acts 2:37-41

Introduction

• An ‘Oxymoron’ is a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction (ie. jumbo shrimp, Micosoft Works).
• The Effect of Peter’s Pentecost sermon on those who heard it reveals three important ‘oxymorons’ for modern-day Christians to consider.

Oxymoron #1:  An ‘Unrepentant Christian’

1. Peter mentions “repentance” as the pre-requisite for forgiveness of sins and reception of the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 3:19)

• Repent – to change your mind; to turn away from sin
• Repentance is both a divine gift and a human responsibility (cf. Acts 5:31; 11:18)

2. Repentance comes before water Baptism (v. 38)

3. Peter’s mention of ‘repentance’ here implies all of the other essential components of Christian Conversion mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament

• The NT authors often use ‘synecdoche’ when speaking about conversion (ie. mention of any one aspect of conversion implies the whole thing)
• Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin

4. Problem of ‘Easy Believism’

• A ‘Christian’ who is unwilling to repent of known sin is in a very dangerous spiritual situation
• God accepts you exactly the way you are, but He loves you far too much to leave you that way!

Oxymoron #2:  An ‘Unbaptized Christian’

1. There are Two Errors regarding Baptism that we must avoid:

• Baptismal Regeneration – the teaching that water Baptism cleanses you from sin and saves you
• The view that water Baptism is optional

2. Peter is NOT teaching Baptismal Regeneration in v. 38

• Greek in v. 38 is difficult and can be legitimately  interpreted and translated in several different ways
• Preposition “eis”
• Scripture interprets Scripture!!
• NT is very clear that works and rituals do not save (Ephesians 2:8-9)
• In Acts 3:19 Peter mentions repentance without baptism

3. Necessity of Water Baptism

• Clearly Commanded by Christ (Matthew 28:16-20)
• Sign and Seal of the New Covenant Promises
• Signifies spiritual rebirth (Spirit Baptism)
• Only suitable for adult believers
• Best pictured by full immersion in water
• Signifies internal purification from sin
• Signifies your inclusion into the body of Christ

Oxymoron #3: A “Lone-Ranger Christian”

1. Those who repented and were baptized were immediately “added”  to the Church (v. 41)

2. Critical Importance of Church Membership

• The Church is not a shopping mall for consumers
• God created you to be in relationship with others
• We are commanded to meet regularly with other believers (Heb 10:24-25)
• Body of Christ is a sanctifying tool in our lives
• We must learn to love the unlovable
• Many biblical commands cannot be obeyed outside of a local Church community
• God commands us to be accountable to Church leaders and to other believers and this can only happen in a covenanted community!