10 October | EVERYONE
«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.’» Acts 2:38
What do repentance and baptism mean in the convert’s experience? Peter’s challenge to the Jews that day involved two actions: repent and be baptized. Repentance implies a change of outlook on life, recognizing that the path followed so far leads to death; and then turn around and take the right path. It means leaving a selfish and sinful lifestyle and starting a new life centered on Jesus, to serve others and to glorify God. The way of thinking changes, the actions become coherent, balanced, and sensible. The repentant person no longer delights in floating in the filthy waters of sin but seeks the clear fountains of holiness.
This is not a false garb of puritanism. Rather, it is the ripe fruit of faith that appears in the life of those who encounter Jesus personally and thus free themselves from their spiritual blindness. In this way the person understands that they lived in error, centered on themselves and in the curse of living only for the carnal instincts of the body.
After repentance comes the baptism of water, as a public declaration of love for Christ, and confession of faith. Baptism symbolizes that the repentant person, in addition to openly accepting that Jesus died on the cross for them, dies the death of Christ. Their body is immersed in water just as Christ’s body was buried in the earth; and, just as Jesus was raised from the dead to the resurrection of life, the repentant sinner immersed in the waters of divine grace is reborn to a new life of victory and holiness.
Take Action
Baptism in the water publicly announces that you have already experienced repentance. It is part of your witnessing after accepting Jesus. That is why, when it is accompanied by a genuine experience, it is so worthwhile. Sing “Repent!” (if possible, with your family).