ACTS 2:38 states the acts of obedience of the first century church to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is God's powerful way of saving all people who have faith. What did they do and how should we do the same?
Step 1: HAVE FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND REPENT
- Believe Jesus Christ is Lord and died for you.
- Be sorry for your sins and recognize your need of the Savior as in Acts 3:19.
- Determine to turn from sin and give your life completely to Him.
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH: Salvation itself. Believing is absolute essential, but only the first step! See Acts 8:12–17 and 11:14–18.
Step 2: BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST
- Be buried with Him by total immersion in water.
- Have the saving name of Jesus Christ pronounced over you as in Acts 22:16.
- Obtain remission of sins in baptism through obedience and faith in His name.
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH: Repeating the titles “Father-Son-Holy Ghost” sprinkling or pouring! See Acts 8:35–38 and 19:1–6.
Step 3: RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM EVIDENCED BY TONGUES
- Meet the conditions of repentance, faith, and obedience.
- Believe God has promised it and that you can receive it as in Acts 2:4.
- Know that tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH: Tongues as a prayer language or one of the optional gifts of the Spirit! See John 7:38–39 and Acts 10:44–48