Psalm 119:41-48; Acts 2:14-41

Psalm 119:41-48
An interesting advantage to come from God's Word is freedom. This may seem strange at first, because we sometimes think of disobedience or even lawlessness as freedom. But think about this--if we were a nation without laws or if everyone ignored the laws, would we be free to go about business? Of course not! It would be chaotic! God's Word provides structure and safety and freedom. v. 45. God's Word is truth, v. 43, and the New Testament tells us in John 8:32 that the Truth will set us free.

Acts 2:14-41
In this passage Peter preaches to the people of Jerusalem. He reminds them that God, in the Old Testament, had promised that the Holy Spirit would come in the "last days." This refers to the period after Jesus went back to heaven up to the present. Signs and wonders and fearful things will happen (some have already happened), but he assures them and us "But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." Paul repeats this promise in Romans 10:13.

Peter then goes on to tell them about Jesus' ministry on earth, His death and resurrection. David had predicted these very things in the Old Testament. Peter tells them that Jesus today "is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand." v. 33 He also reminds them that the Father had promised the Holy Spirit, and this had come to pass.

The people were startled as asked what they should do. "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.'" V. 41 tells us that 3000 people believed and were baptized and added to the church that day.

Note on baptism: If this were the only passage on salvation, we might think that water baptism is necessary for salvation. But if we take it along with many others (even two we have seen today, v. 21 and Romans 10:13, we see that God asks for baptism as a public testimony that the individual has repented of their sins and turned to God and trusted Jesus. It pleases God, and believers should be baptized, but baptism is a good work that comes after salvation. It is not a requirement for salvation.