The promise.

Acts 2:36-41, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “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. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Some of these same people were likely in the crowd that had cried out “Crucify Him” when Jesus was brought before Pilate. And some may have heard Jesus prayer from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And some may have hurled insults at Him as He suffered and died. Yet His purpose on the cross was fulfilled, to be the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” He was crushed for our iniquities, that we might be rescued. He became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God! The same good news is available to all who will listen to His voice, to repent and be baptized and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. By grace we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves it is a gift of God!

We thank You for Your good news, for Your amazing grace towards us in Christ Jesus!

ESV Lectionary