Text: Acts 2:47
The Lord’s church began on the day of Pentecost following Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. With help from the Holy Spirit, Peter proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. Three thousand responded to the message that day. After that, the church continued to grow. God was adding to their number, but it is important to note WHO He was adding so we can be among the same number.
What Were They Being Saved From?
- Saved from sin (Acts 2:38) – they needed to be forgiven; sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2); the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23); we do not want what we deserve
- Saved from “this perverse generation” (Acts 2:40) – the same thing could be said of every generation; the world lies under the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19); we need to be saved like Noah (Genesis 6:5-8)
- Saved from wrath (Romans 5:9) – this is the penalty for disobedience (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 5:6); God does not want us to perish (2 Peter 3:9), so we need to repent
Who Was Being Saved?
- Those who heard the message of the gospel (Acts 2:22, 36) – faith comes from hearing (Romans 10:17); more than just hearing, they “received” the word (Acts 2:41); they responded and acted upon it
- Those who believed that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 2:36-37)
- Those who repented of their sins (Acts 2:38)
- Those who were baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38, 41) – Peter quoted Joel’s prophecy about calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 2:21; Joel 2:32); this is not a prayer, it is a response of faith in submitting to baptism (Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21)
The Popular Concept of “Getting Saved”
- Many religious people do not talk about “being saved,” they speak of “getting saved” – however, it is not Biblically accurate to say someone “got saved”; it is never used that way in the Bible
- Problems with the concept of “getting saved” – those who use this phrase may not think about these, but it is helpful to consider them
- It ignores the ongoing process of salvation – “being saved” (Acts 2:47), not “got saved”
- It places salvation in our hands rather than in God’s hands – no salvation left to be revealed (1 Peter 1:5)
- It suggests that we cannot lose our salvation (Galatians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Hebrews 3:12; 4:1, 11)
How Can We Be Saved Today?
- The same way they were saved on the day of Pentecost – we have the same promise (Acts 2:39); we have the same gospel (1 Peter 1:22-25)
- So what do we need to do? – believe, repent, be baptized; when we do this, God adds us to His church because we are “being saved” (entered into the state of salvation and on the path to eternal life)
Conclusion
- As we extend the same invitation that Peter offered on the day of Pentecost, we will not urge you to “get saved” like many people talk about today
- Instead, we will admonish you to “be saved” (Acts 2:40) – God adds to His church those who are “being saved” (Acts 2:47); this is where we want you to be
