God’s plan of salvation in four steps:
1) repentance
2) water baptism
3) Spirit baptism
4) a changed lifestyle of Holiness (Acts 2:38-42)
step 1: REPENTANCE
According to Romans 3:23, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But the Lord does not want us to remain in this condition.
“[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live”
(Ezekiel 33:11 KJV)
The Greek word for repent in Acts 2:38 is metanoeó which means, ”I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God).” (Strongs #3340)
step 2: WATER BAPTISM
Since God doesn’t want us to die in our sin, He made a way for our sins to be remitted:
“…baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ”
(I Peter 3:21 KJV)
Jesus said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” To be born of water is to be water baptized.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
(Romans 6:4 NIV)
Our sins our washed away when we are baptized in water.
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16 KJV)
The Bible only records baptisms by immersion. When Philip baptized the Ethiopian, they went “into the water” and came “up out of the water.” (Acts 8:38, 39) Also when John the Baptist baptized Jesus, he went up “out of the water” (Matthew 3:16). I believe we should follow the Lord’s example.
Baptism washes away sin when the name of the Lord is called.
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16 KJV)
Jesus commanded that baptism be in his name.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”
(Matthew 28:19 KJV)
The apostle Peter obeyed the command of God when he preached the first sermon after the Holy Spirit was given.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 2:38 KJV
Every example of baptism in the Bible is in the name of Jesus. (Acts 2:38, 10:48, 19:5) Let’s not deviate from God’s plan for us.
step 3: BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Ghost is a gift promised to all believers:
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Luke 24:49 KJV
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8 KJV
The gift of the Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost (the 50th day following the resurrection of Jesus Christ).
On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Acts 2:1-4 NLT
The apostles and other followers of Jesus, including “Mary the mother of Jesus” (Acts 1:14), all received the Holy Ghost on that great day.
When the Holy Ghost came, there was a sign to let them know:
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4 KJV)
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. (Acts 10:44 KJV)
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (Acts 19:6 KJV)
But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh (Acts 2:16-17 KJV)
According to the Book of Acts, the only historical book that gives an account of the events immediately following the resurrection of Jesus, those who receive the Holy Ghost know because they (and those nearby) hear them “speak with tongues” or speak in an unlearned language as the Spirit of God gives the ability. It is the sign that God has chosen to let a believer know that the Spirit of God has come in. With God there is no guess work or confusion.
