Be Saved!
Acts 2:40
And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!”
Peter spoke these words to the Jews at Pentecost who witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. These curiosity seekers knew the disciples had experienced something different and listened to hear Peter’s explanation. As Peter gave his testimony of his personal experience, he urged those present to be saved from this corrupt generation. He could see how their culture and traditions had a grasp that held them in bondage from a right relationship with God.
We live in a generation that is even more corrupt, and we often don’t realize we are in bondage. Jesus offers us the ability to live free from the sin that deceives and entices us to live unholy lives, but many times we fail to see our actions as sin. When we act out of emotions, we often feel as if we are meeting a need. In truth, however, we are responding to the deception of sin to fill a void that only Jesus Christ can meet. For that reason, we justify our sin with the lie that God just made us that way, and there is no way to change. The belief that we cannot change is bondage, and Jesus came to set us free from it.
Peter’s plea in this verse was for the people present to be saved – to be set free – from the corruption of that generation. The answer today is the same as it was then, “Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” To repent simply means to change your mind. Stop believing the lie that you cannot change, and ask Jesus to forgive you where you have failed. He will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit to overcome the enticement of sin. Repentance begins with recognizing your sin and being willing to be free from it. Until you want to be set free, you will engage it and justify it. You must come to the place where you hate your sin enough to want to turn from it.
Where are you failing in life? What is holding you back? Where do you have unmet needs? You don’t have to remain in bondage to the corruption of this generation. You can change, and the sin you have befriended is really not meeting your need. Repent – change your mind about the sin – and find forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Sin is not your friend in any form or fashion, and it only serves to hold you back from the real blessings God has for you. Let go of the lack and find fullness in Christ. He will give you the power to overcome and live victoriously. Your wholeness is the very reason He came to die.
Have a blessed day!