“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.”
Acts 2:38 NIV
Forgiveness of Sin
Back in December 2021, Defence Minister Anita Anand said successive Canadian governments have failed to dedicate the time, money and effort needed to stamp out the “scourge” of sexual misconduct in the Canadian military. “Countless lives have been harmed because of inaction and systemic failure. This is a failure that our Canadian Armed Forces, our department, and the Government of Canada will always carry with us,” she said. “These institutions failed you, and for that we are sorry. I am sorry.”
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The transformation in the life of the apostle Peter, following the coming of the Holy Spirit in power on the Day of Pentecost, is nothing short of miraculous. The disciple who was so impetuous during his years following Jesus and who so readily denied knowing the Lord when Jesus needed him the most became a decisive leader and a strong and outspoken proclaimer of the Good News of Jesus Christ. In the first post-Pentecost sermon, Peter says this in Acts 2:38: “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.” The same disciple who could not admit he knew Jesus when asked by a servant girl now stands before a crowd of thousands and calls them to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus. He boldly proclaims that Jesus offers the forgiveness of sins that everyone needs. That same message is proclaimed today – repent of your sin and turn to Jesus and your sins will be forgiven.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley