What Shall We Do? — The Call to Repentance and Baptism

Scripture: Acts 2:37–38

"When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘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.’"

Devotional:

The crowd had just heard Peter's bold declaration about Jesus — that He was the promised Messiah, crucified and now exalted to the right hand of God. These words, delivered with the fire of the Holy Spirit, pierced deeply. Conviction settled in, and a holy silence followed. Then came the desperate question: “What shall we do?”

It’s a question that echoes through time. When our hearts are awakened to the truth of who Jesus is and the reality of our sin, we are confronted with a choice. Conviction, though uncomfortable, is a gift — a sign that God is calling us to turn around.

Peter’s response is clear, and it remains the foundation of Christian faith: “Repent and be baptized.” Repentance means more than just feeling sorry. It’s a radical reorientation of our lives — a turning from sin and self, toward God and His ways. Baptism, then, becomes the outward sign of this inward transformation, a public declaration that we now belong to Jesus.

But that’s not all. With repentance and baptism comes a divine promise — the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are not only cleansed but empowered. God doesn’t just rescue us; He fills us, equips us, and walks with us.

Today, ask yourself: Have I truly repented? Have I laid my old ways at the feet of Jesus and allowed Him to make me new? And if you have, are you living in the fullness of that promise — walking boldly in the Spirit you’ve received?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your Word that brings conviction and leads me to truth. I choose today to turn away from all that separates me from You. Cleanse me, renew me, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me to live daily in the power of Your forgiveness and grace. Amen.