If the gospel is true, now what?

Peter, transformed by the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the gospel, and those who heard him were cut to the heart and moved to respond.  Suddenly, they saw their sin for what it was and realized what Jesus had accomplished with His death and resurrection. God had opened their eyes, and the truth was too incredible to ignore.

Now what? They knew they had to do something, and Peter’s answer to them then is the same for us today:

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved…Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:21,38 NLT

1.  Repentance (Metanoeo)

The Greek word translated here as repent means to think differently. To change one’s mind for the better. To see your sin as God sees it. This is where the transformation begins. When you finally see your sin as God sees it, you can begin going in a new direction. Turning away from your old life and towards Christ.

2. Salvation

When you acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, you can turn to the only One who can save you – Jesus Christ. Declare that He is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead. Call on Him, and you will be saved.

3. Baptism

Once you’ve repented of your sin and confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, baptism is the next step. Baptism is an outward declaration of an inward transformation. It is your chance to publicly declare whose you are. It is the picture of your death to sin and your new life in Christ.  It is an act of obedience after salvation, not a requirement for salvation.

4. Fellowship

The Christian life was never meant to be lived on your own. Christian pastors, leaders, and others who are more mature in their faith have a lot to offer you for your journey. And you have a lot to offer others with the unique gifts and talents God has given you. Community has always been part of the Christian experience. Be part of a church that preaches the word of God and spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When you respond to the gospel and turn to Jesus, the “now what” in your life is transformation. It begins with repentance and salvation. It is proclaimed through baptism, and it is lived out in community. It is an ongoing process set in motion by God that will ultimately be completed by Him on the day that Jesus returns.

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6 ESV