INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Repent and be converted
Remarks.
1. In this lesson today, we will be discussing the theme: “Repent and be converted." This is the sixth lesson in the sermon-series entitled: "Re-digging in Old Wells." There will be many others bearing this title. We are re-digging in old wells to receive what Isaiah promises: “With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation,” Isaiah 12:3. There are times we must re-dig in old wells to receive the joy found in the: "waters of salvation." This sermon type is called "expository preaching." Our goal will be: “to dig a little deeper” in the text of emphasis in these lessons. We will allow the writer, the characters in the verses, and the Master's words to shed new meaning to: “His words of eternal life,” John 6:63; John 6:67-69.
2. We will answer this question: "What all is involved in being converted?” By this, we mean: “Does being converted include some act of obedience?” Is there a correlation between the verbs: "be converted and be baptized?" We will re-dig in old wells, to find a biblical answer for these questions. Ulysses Shields called this kind of teaching: "digging a little deeper," in the word of truth. He was my beloved grandfather in Christ. We will use as a foundational text for this sermon-series: "And Isaac re-dug the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham...for the Philistines had stopped them (closed them up) after Abraham’s death, etc.,” Genesis 26:18. The Philistines: “Stopped them, and filled them with earth,” because they envied Isaac’s possessions, Genesis 26:14-15.
3. Our text of emphasis reads as follows: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began,” Acts 3:19-21. We will discuss this text in light of the teachings of many, which ignore repentance, conversion, and baptism in their evangelistic preaching and bible studies.
4. It's time for all teachers and preachers to: “repent and be converted!” If indeed we have this ministry, and received mercy, that we faint not: “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but...in truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God,” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2; Luke 18:1. If we will answer these critical questions, it’s essential that we consider every text, within the context of the scriptures. With God’s help, we will do just that, to draw: “New water from old wells.” With this introduction, let’s consider this topic carefully, with both our bibles and hearts opened unto the living God.
BODY OF LESSON
I REPENT AND BE CONVERTED
A. Background study. This sermon of Peter does not get the attention it needs, in much of our preaching. Peter is defending his actions for calling: “In the name of Jesus of Nazareth,” healing for a man of the palsy, who sat at the gate of beautiful, begging alms from the people. On this day, the man will receive from God more than he was asking for while begging before the temple doors. Peter and John would be instruments in his healing. Let’s observe--
1. The hour of prayer. Luke wrote: “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple: Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked for alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said: Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them (alms),” Acts 3:1-5.
2. The miracle of healing. Luke continued: “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he was leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were being filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held (cling to) Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering,” Acts 3:6-11. Peter said unto the man of palsy:
a. First, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, I give thee.”
b. Second, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise and walk:”
1) “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”
2) “And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.”
c. Third, “And all the people saw him walking and praising God:”
1) “And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple.”
2) “And they were being filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.”
3) “And as the lame man who was healed held (cling to) Peter and John.”
d. Fourth, “All the people ran together unto them in the porch called Solomon's, with much wondering,” Acts 3:6-11.
e. Conclusion: Peter and John have just done a notable miracle. And the people are amazed and responding with significant wondering regarding what has just happened. Peter was detecting that the people are ascribing too much of this miracle unto him and John; he spoke to them about what has happened and by whom.
3. Peter’s message of Christ. Luke further inscribed: “And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people:”
a. First, “Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look you so earnestly on us, as though by our power or holiness we had made this man walk?”
b. Further, “The God of Abraham, and Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate when he was determined to let him go.”
c. Next, “But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you: And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.”
d. Adding, “And (by) His name through faith in His name: hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as also did your rulers.”
e. Finally, “But those things, which God before had shown by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled,” Acts 3:12-18; Luke 24:45-47; John 19:30.
4. Conclusion: Peter preached that the man’s healing of palsy was due to Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Who they had taken and crucified after Pilate had determined to let him go. But they denied the Holy One and the Just and killed the Prince of life, whom God had raised from the dead, and they were witnesses to His resurrection. It was through faith in the name of Jesus; this man has been made whole. Peter explained they did it through ignorance, as did their rulers. But the things witnessed by the mouth of the prophets, Christ suffering, death, and resurrection, He did so to fulfill all the scriptures, Luke 24:44; John 19:28-30.
5. He exhorted them to: “Repent and be converted, that their sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And He shall send Jesus Christ...whom heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things...since the world began,” Acts 3:19-21. Before we consider the text of emphasis, let’s look at some other scriptural references that might strengthen the truth of this lesson. It’s time for all to: “repent and be converted!”
B. Firm foundation. We will consider the need for kings, leaders, ministers, and all people to repent and be converted. At times we permit the messages and behaviors of the world to influence us; rather than affecting the world. During such times, we will need to be granted a heart of repentance; and a desire for change in our behavior. Let’s look at some of the preaching done by others, requiring repentance and conversion. Observe we me such preaching--
1. Jesus’ preaching. The Master taught: “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.”
a. First, “And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish,” Luke 3:2-3.
b. Second, “Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish,” Luke 13:4-5.
c. Third, “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel,” Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13.
d. Fourth, Therefore, Jesus preached unto Israel: "Repent you, and believe the gospel, for the kingdom of God is at hand,” Mark 1:14-15. These verses will be crucial, later in the lesson, in our understanding of Acts 3:19.
2. Prophet’s preaching. The prophets from Samuel unto now have likewise spoken of these things, Acts 3:24. Samuel was a prophet of the Lord, 1 Samuel 3:20-21. He anointed two kings over Israel, Saul, and David. He judged Israel all the days of his life, 1 Samuel 7:15. Peter connects Samuel as the first prophet who spoke of the times Jerusalem was experiencing: repentance and judgment. Observe--
a. Isaiah wrote: “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD... So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it,” Isaiah 55:6-11; Isaiah 45:19.
b. Jeremiah wrote: “Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you,” Jeremiah 26:13.
c. Ezekiel wrote: “Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations,” Ezekiel 14:6.
d. Jonah wrote: “Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger that we perish not?” Jonah 3:9. Jonah cried to the city of Nineveh to repent that God might turn from His anger against them. Jonah’s preaching--
1) Entering the city, he cried: "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown,” Jonah 3:4. The prophet called unto the people; in forty days, if they will not repent and do righteousness, Jehovah will overthrow the city.
2) The people believed: “So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them,” Jonah 3:5.
3) The king of Nineveh: “For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands,” Jonah 3:6-8.
4) God saw their works: “That they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not,” Jonah 3:10. The Lord withheld his judgment against the city.
5) Conclusion: This important Gentile city of Nineveh: repented and turned away from their sins; that God might turn away His anger from them. True repentance means to turn from your sins and reform your deeds before God and men. There can be no repentance without a real reform of ones' faith and lifestyle before God and men.
3. John the Baptist’s preaching. Matthew wrote: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” Matthew 3:1-3; Isaiah 40:3-5.
4. Paul’s preaching. We witnessed Paul's preaching regarding repentance and turning to God, 1) in Athens, 2) in Miletus, and 3) in Caesarea.
a. First, Paul on Mars’ Hill: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; of whom he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead,” Acts 17:30-31. Paul preached repentance and judgment to Athens's people on Mars' Hill, Acts 17:18-30. He preached repentance and judgment.
b. Again, Paul before the elders of Ephesus: “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ... But none of these things move me, neither count my life dear unto myself so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:21-24. Paul preached repentance toward God and faith toward Jesus Christ.
c. Finally, Paul before King Agrippa: "At which point, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance,” Acts 26:19-20. He preached repentance and turning to God.
5. Conclusion: These all preached the need for repentance to people, kings, religious leaders, and ministers. The heart of men must remain pliable to “repent and be converted,” to the truth, and the will of God. Without such, all are destined for rejection and will suffer divine judgment from the Lord. We are ready NOW to get into the text of emphasis in this lesson. Observe--
C. Text of emphasis: Luke wrote: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began,” Acts 3:19-21. Let's define some words in this text before we discuss it. Notice--
1. First, the word “repent” in the Gr., is metanoeo or me-tä-no-e'-o, which means to think differently or afterward, i.e., reconsider (morally, feeling compunction):—repent. The idea is to change one’s mind; change for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins. Johnson wrote regarding repentance the following. Notice--
a. B. W. Johnson wrote: ”The convicted, broken-hearted, sorrowing sinner, believing that Jesus is the Christ, is to repent and be baptized...They already sorrowed; but a change of purpose; the internal change which resolves to serve the Lord. The Greek term rendered repent means a change of mind. The act of obedience in baptism is an outward expression of both faith and repentance. In the name of Jesus Christ...In submission to the authority of Jesus Christ...Thus, by complying with the conditions just named, they shall receive remission of sins,” Page 268. Repentance and faith lead one to the act of obedience, i.e., baptism.
b. F. F. Bruce wrote: "Repentance (metanoia, 'change of mind') involves a turning with contrition from sin to God; the repentant sinner is in the proper condition to accept...divine forgiveness." (F. F. Bruce. The Acts of the Apostles [Greek Text Commentary], London: Tyndale, 1952, p. 97.). Bruce also agrees it is repentance and baptism, which affords the believer the promise: “of remission of sins.”
c. Godly sorrow. Paul wrote: “Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,” 2 Corinthians 7:10.
Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation. Worldly sorrow doth not bring forth salvation. In the case of Judas, it brought forth death, Matthew 27:3-5.
2. Further, the word “be converted" in the Gr., is epistrepho or e-pe-stre'-fo, which means to revert:—come (go) again, convert, (re-) turn (about). The idea is to turn to, or to cause a return, to bring back: to the love and obedience of God. Our use is to encourage America's nation to return to the service and worship of the true God, by repentance and obedience to His divine will, given to all humanity throughout the world.
3. Next, the word “sins” in the Gr., is hamartia or hä-mär-te'-ä, which means a sin:—offense, sin (-ful) ness; unrighteousness, or transgressions. The idea is that one commits a wrong, evil, a crime, a violation of the divine law in thought or action.
4. Finally, the phrase “may be blotted out” in Gr., is exaleípho or eks-ä-la'-fo, which means to smear out, i.e., to obliterate (erase tears, to pardon sin):—blot out, wipe away. The idea is to destroy, erase, wipe out, blot out, or forgive sins and transgressions. We might also insert: to wash away or to remit ones’ sins.
D. Repent and be converted. The need for true repentance and conversion is for all that desire to be saved and be forgiven of their sins. What then is the message of “repent and be converted?” Let’s consider some additional teaching on repentance and conversion. Observe--
1. Jesus’ teaching on converted: “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them. And said, Verily I say unto you: Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me,” Matthew 18:1-5. Summary of His teaching—
a. Except you be converted and become as little children.
b. Ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
c. If we will humble ourselves as a little child:
1) We shall be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
2) If we shall receive such a child, we receiveth Jesus also.
d. Conclusion: That those who are converted are view as a little child in humility and service unto the Lord. Conversion makes us worthy of the kingdom of God. When we are converted and accept each other, we receive Jesus and His teachings in like manner. The Lord warned Peter of his need to be corrected.
2. Jesus’s admonition to Peter: “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fails not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren,” Luke 22:31-32.
3. Peter’s response to the believers’ request on Pentecost: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” His answer was for them to: “repent and be baptized...for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38. His instruction to these believers was to: “Repent you, therefore, and be converted, that your sins might be blotted out,” Acts 3:19. Like elsewhere in the Book of Acts, this appeal was a call to “faith and obedience unto God.” Observe--
a. First, Peter uses these two verbs in his preaching: “repent and converted?” He affirms that the result of these two acts of faith; would result in: “the blotting out of their sins.” Let's keep in mind this preaching was not long after the events on the Day of Pentecost. Believers are still assembled in Jerusalem, hearing the preaching of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, by the apostles. They were still preaching: “repentance and the remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ,” Luke 24:47.
b. Further, repent (ye) you and be converted. Peter directs these believers to what they must do to obtain the forgiveness of their sins. They were to repent and be converted. We have considered these two words earlier in the lesson.
1) Recall that the words "repent you" means: to change one’s mind; changes for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins.
2) And the word converted means: to turn unto, or to cause a return, to bring back: to the love and obedience of God.
c. Finally, that your sins might be blotted out. Peter also announces the promised blessing for their “repentance and conversion unto God.” And that was that: “their sins might be blotted out” or “forgiven.” Recall, the words “blotted out” meant that their sins should be obliterated, erased, wiped out, or forgiven. The words: “blotted out,” bears a little more discussion. Consider—
1) The word “blotted out” means to i.e., obliterate (erase tears, to pardon sin):—blot out, wipe away. We could also add: “to remit or wash away one's sins."
2) The repentant believers on Pentecost were given a similar promise. If they would repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ: “For the remission of their sins, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38.
3) Paul was instructed by Ananias to: “Arise and be baptized to wash away his sins, calling on the name of the Lord,” Acts 22:16.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: “Calling on the name of the Lord,” from SermonCentral.com. It discusses more fully, how one “calls on the name of the Lord to be saved.” Let continue--
4) Now these repentant believers are being told to: “Repent and be converted, that their sins might be blotted out,” Acts 3:19. The idea in all these scriptures is that "repentance and remission of sins" are being preached in the name of Jesus Christ. We will notice a direct connection to this promise in the last point of the lesson.
d. Conclusion: We have observed the apostles’ preaching elsewhere regarding “repentance and baptism.” Is there some correlation between these two events of Peter’s preaching the “repentance and remission of sins?” Notice:
1) First, on the Day of Pentecost, he told the repentant believers to: “Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38.
2) Second, on this day, he tells the repentant believers to: “Repent you, therefore, and be converted, that your sins might be blotted out," Acts 3:19.
3) Third, there must be some correlation between these two events of Peter: “preaching repentance and the remission of sins, in the name of Jesus Christ?” Luke 24:47.
4) Could Peter be saying the same thing, but using different terms to explain the acts of faith and obedience to his audience?
E. Repent and be baptized. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter used the two verbs: "repent and be baptized," in preaching "repentance and remission of sins," in the name of Jesus Christ unto the people. It is essential now to ask--
1. Does the phrase: “repent you, therefore, and be converted;” bear the same relationship to the words: "repent, and be baptized?" See Acts 3:19; Acts 2:38. I think so. We cannot have the same preacher, giving two opposing acts of faith and obedience to believers, for the same promise: i.e., the “remission of sins” and that their “sins may be blotting out.” Is there some correlation to these two promises? I know it appears we are in deep water. But, let me assure you, we will swim out of it together. Is it possible to for us to have?--
NOTE: Illustrate five ministers preaching five different things on the same subject of faith. If it is not possible for one preacher to have five different positions on the same topic, how could it be possible for each of these five preachers to all be right? Peter’s message was: “repentance and remission of sins.”
2. Recall, earlier, we defined the phrase: “blotted out.” And learned that it meant to smear out, i.e., to obliterate (to erase, to pardon sin):—blot out, wipe away. The idea is that God blots out, wipe away, or forgive our sins and transgressions. Peter is setting forth the truth; that he made on Pentecost: “that the believer must repent and be converted, to have his sins blotted out.” Continuing in the lesson--
3. Let’s examine the phrase: "blotted out" elsewhere in the bible. We’ll consider its usage in the Psalms, and the prophets, of the Old Testament. Observe—
a. David wrote much regarding the mercy and forgiveness of Jehovah. He wrote:
1) First, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions,” Psalms 51:1. Here David uses the phrase: “blot out my transgressions.”
2) Second, “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities,” Psalms 51:9; Psalms 109:14. Again he implores the Lord to "blot out all his iniquities."
3) Third, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us,” Psalms 103:12.
4) Fourth, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile,” Psalms 32:1-2; Romans 4:6-7.
5) Conclusion: David speaks of his transgression and iniquities being blotted out, his sins covered, and that the Lord doth not impute (charged, to tallied up) his iniquities. David had repented of his sins and had turned to God for His forgiveness.
b. Isaiah wrote: “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee,” Isaiah 44:22. Isaiah speaks of Israel’s return from bondage. Additional references:
1) First, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool,” Isaiah 1:18. How was this possible? Hear Jehovah:
a) “And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.”
b) “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil.”
c) “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow,” Isaiah 1:15-17; Psalms 51:7.
d) “When you wash and make clean, put away evil before mine eyes, cease to do evil, I will forgive your sins, and wash you white as snow.”
2) Second, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember thy sins,” Isaiah 43:25.
3) Conclusion: It is Jehovah who has blotted out sins and transgressions. It is he who "washes and makes clean," after we "put away evil before His eyes. It is He that forgives our sins and washes us white as snow.
c. Jeremiah wrote: Of Jehovah’s forgiveness to His people, Israel. Observe--
1) One, “Yet, LORD, thou knowest all their counsel against me to slay me: forgive not their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from thy sight, but let them be overthrown before thee; deal thus with them in the time of thine anger,” Jeremiah 18:23. Jeremiah was against the Lord’s compassion on them, because of their treatment of him, during his preaching unto them.
2) Two, “And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me,” Jeremiah 33:8. But, the Lord said: "I will cleanse them and pardon all their iniquities and transgressions.
3) Three, “In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel they will seek, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve,” Jeremiah 50:20.
d. Nehemiah wrote: “And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders,” Nehemiah 4:5; Acts 4:10-12. Nehemiah did not desire that God, forgive these wicked and ungodly people. Peter here refers to these builders, and desired that they “repent and be converted, that their sins might be blotted out.”
e. Conclusion: The prophets and the Psalms suggest the phrase: “blot out” to mean forgiveness, cleansing, washed away, and pardon. Therefore the term in our text of emphasis could only mean the same thing. Peter said: "Repent you, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out (forgiven, pardoned, and cleansed, washed away) when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord,” Acts 3:19; Acts 2:38; Luke 24:47. Let’s look at these verses together.
4. Summary of preaching. What Peter is doing in the early days of the church is preaching the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise: of repentance and remission of sins.” Let’s consider his preaching of “repentance and remission of sins” in the city of Jerusalem, Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:5; Acts 2:14. Observe—
a. Jesus’ promised that: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem,” Luke 24:47.
b. Peter preaching on Pentecost: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38.
c. Peter preaching before the temple: “Repent you, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,” Acts 3:19.
d. What has become apparent is that repentance and remission (blotting out) of sins are mentioned in all three instances. The only thing yet to be clarified is how does to: "be converted," correlates in Peter's preaching. Notice--
1) It appears to align with the phrase: “be baptized?”
2) The way to settle this is to “compare spiritual things with spiritual things,” 1 Corinthians 2:13.
3) This is what we called: “rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15. It is digging a little deeper in the word of truth. Amen, somebody! So I ask?
4) What act of faith in the New Testament brings about, i.e., the washing away, remission (forgiveness), blotting out, or the cleansing,” of sins and transgression? We might ask at this time: What act of faith yields such results from the acts of faith of: “repent, and be converted?” I wish I had some help in this lesson. Let’s press on to a conclusion. We must reconsider the verb: “be converted.”
5. The verb: “Be converted.” Recall earlier; we discussed what the word “convert” meant. It means to revert:—come (go) again, convert, (re-) turn (about). The idea is to turn back or to cause a return, to bring or come back: into the love and obedience of God. Let’s look at the use of this word “convert” elsewhere in the New Testament. Stay with me, beloved saints. Observe—
a. Converted brother: “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins,” James 5:19-20. The message here is turning a brother back to the love and obedience of God. How should a brother in Christ be converted? Or, brought again into the favor of God? Notice these scriptures:
1) First, “If a brother is overtaken in a fault...restore such a one in the spirit of meekness,” Galatians 6:1.
2) Second, “Confess your faults one to another...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much,” James 5:14-16.
3) Third, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hears thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, so every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican,” Matthew 18:15-17.
4) Conclusion: This does not seem to be the condition of the audience in Peter’s preaching. There must be another way to convert a sinner, who is not a brother guilty of a fault; but, is an unconverted sinner. This is the kind of audience Peter was preaching unto at the temple gate, Beautiful.
b. Non-converted brother. I use the term non-converted because these are who Peter was speaking to NOW in his sermon. They were unconverted Jews. Therefore, they were not spiritual brothers “in Christ.” The only way to make “head and tails of this” is to consider some other scriptures with the same audience of people. Observe—
1) Jesus teaching and preaching. We can witness the Master speaking to a similar audience as Peter, during His ministry. These were non-converted Jews. They claim to be believers in God but rejected Jesus as the Messiah. To His apostles, Jesus said:
a) First, “Therefore speak I to them (the Jews) in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith: By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them,” Matthew 13:13-15; Matthew 15:7-9.
b) Second, “And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they (Israel) should (repent), and be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them,” Mark 4:10-12. In Mark’s account, we get a clarification of what Jesus meant when he said: “And I should heal them,” Matthew 13:15; John 12:37-40.
NOTE: I have taken Jesus’ preaching of “repentance” from Mark 1:14-15, and inserted it into Isaiah’s prophecy, in the text above, as (repent). I have also identified “they” to be Israel and included it also. See also, Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:6; Acts 26:20. Finally, let’s consider Paul’s speaking to this same audience, while a prisoner in Rome.
2) Paul’s teaching and preaching. Luke wrote: “And when they (the Jewish leaders) had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word: Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them,” Acts 28:23-27. Israel was a disobedient and rebellious people. They were unwilling to hear the words of the Lord. Now let's tie it up and move, to a conclusion in this lesson.
3) Peter’s preaching to them. Recall, Peter said: “Repent you, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord,” Acts 3:19. Recall I asked: “Is there a correlation between: “Repent, and be baptized,” and “Repent you, therefore, and be converted?”
a) We have found the answer, in Jesus preaching about Israel’s need to “repent and be converted.” The answer is in the words of Jesus, written by Mark.
b) I will now summarize all their preaching; and, include the missing link and be done with this lesson. Stay with me, beloved of the Lord.
6. Summary of the text of emphasis. Let’s observe the Master's words regarding Israel's leaders again. Mark wrote: “And when he was alone...And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them...all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time Israel should (repent), and be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them,” Mark 4:10-12. Here is the final question in this lesson: “Does being converted include some kind of act of obedience?” Is there a correlation between the verbs: “be converted and be baptized?” The answer is yes. We NOW have this correlation. Let’s summarize our findings. Consider--
a. Peter preached to the people: “Repent you, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord,” Acts 3:19.
b. Jesus’ words in Mark: “Lest at any time they should (repent), and be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them,” Mark 4:12. We have collapsed a significant portion of this text to emphasize the phrase: “They should (repent), and be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”
NOTE:
1) Remember, I inserted the verb (repent) to Mark 4:12.
2) Recall also, that Jesus had preached to Israel: “Repent, and believe the gospel, for the kingdom of God is at hand,” Mark 1:14-15.
c. Our final analysis: Here is the promise that was being preached to Israel: “That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem,” Luke 24:47. Observe--
1) Peter’s preaching before the temple: “Repent you therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,” Acts 3:19.
2) Peter’s preaching on Pentecost: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38.
3) Jesus’ preaching to the Jews: “Lest at any time Israel should (repent), and be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them,” Mark 4:12.
4) Ananias’ instruction to Paul: “Arise and be baptized to wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord,” Acts 22:16.
d. Let’s make heads and tails of it. My final question: What act of faith is commanded and obeyed, “to receive the remission of sins?” Isn’t it baptism? Let’s put it all together then:
1) Peter, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38.
2) Jesus, “Lest at any time Israel should (repent), and be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them,” Mark 4:12. The Jews rejected not only Jesus but the baptism of John, who preached a preparatory gospel of: “faith, repentance, baptism, and the kingdom of God,” Matthew 21:23-27. As a forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist:
a) Preached, “repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 3:1-2.
b) Preached, “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,” Mark 1:4.
c) Baptized with a baptism: “unto repentance,” Matthew 3:11; Acts 19:1-7.
d) Received those coming to him to be baptized, confessing their sins, Matthew 3:5-6. These were the common people, who believed John’s preaching around the Jordon River. The religious leaders, we never baptized of John the Baptist. John called them a “generation of vipers,” Matthew 3:7. Getting back to our lesson, let's consider--
3) Peter preached in Jerusalem: “That repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ, unto all nations,” Luke 24:47. Therefore, the acts of faith were the same in all his preaching.
a) The verb: “be converted,” refers to the notion, “be baptized.” Remember, Peter is being guided by the Holy Spirit, in all of his preachings.
b) The verbs: “repent, and be baptized;” compared with the verbs, “repent, and be converted,” yield the same results, i.e., the remission sins and the blotting out of sins.” Therefore, “repent, and be baptized” is synonymous to: “repent and be converted.”
c) The verbs: “be converted,” is equal to the verb: “be baptized.” Peter preached:
i. First, in Acts 2:38, “Repent, and be baptized...for the remission of sins.”
ii. Next, in Acts 3:19, “Repent, you, therefore, and be converted, that your sins might be blotted out.”
iii. Finally, both are equal, because they yield the same results: “remission of sins, and the blotting out of sins.” Amen. Thank you brother, Usher!
4) Conclusion: Therefore, the verb: “be converted, or turn” in the declaration of Jesus in like manner infers: “to be baptized,” that Israel’s “sins should be forgiven them,” Mark 4:12. Only in the act of “baptism” is there any promise of: “the remission (forgiveness), the washing away, or the blotting out,” of sins and transgressions. Hello, out there! Am I the only one listening to God’s word?
a) Therefore, Peter’s, message before the temple gate, as on Pentecost was for the people to: “Repent, and be baptized, (be converted) for the remission, or the blotting out of sins,” Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19. Paul confirmed this is true wrote--
b) First, to the Colossians: “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are raised with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses,” Colossians 2:12-13. Christ has forgiven you all trespasses. Where? In the waters of baptism!
c) Second, to the Ephesians: “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins...But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus...For by grace are ye saved through the faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:1-10. We were quickened together with Christ, and (by grace we were saved), through faith and our “union with Him in baptism,” Romans 6:17-18; Romans 10:16-17.
d) Third, to the Romans: “Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin,” Romans 6:3-7. These passages need no further discussion. Each of them infers that it is in baptism, our sins and transgressions are forgiven. Let’s now consider one of our distinguished brothers and author, in our final conclusion. Observe--
7. Regarding this phrase: “Repent and be converted,” we submit for your consideration, several outstanding commentaries. Observe--
a. B. W. Johnson wrote: “And be converted. In the Revision, Turn again. The Greek term is not passive but active. The command is to do some act, not to have something done to us. The Greek term (epistrepho)...is uniformly in the active voice...To repent, or change the heart, is the internal change wrought by faith, and this is to be followed by a definite act; to turn...This figure applies to the sinner. Convicted of sin, repentant, there must be some outward act of turning. That act, following repentance, is given in Acts 2:38. The penitent (was) required to be baptized...Baptism is not here expressly named, as in Acts 2:38, but was now understood of itself, seeing that thousands had been baptized, and the thought is suggested in the figurative expression in order that your sins may be blotted out, namely, by the water of baptism.”—Meyer. “In a similar exhortation (Acts 2:38), Peter adds, 'Be baptized,' but this would now be understood."—Dean Howson, Page 270-271.
b. B. W. Johnson again wrote: “In 2:38, the steps are (1) Repentance, (2) baptism, (3) remission of sins, (4) and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Here, (in Acts 3:19-20) the order is, (1) Repentance, (2) to turn (in baptism), (3) the blotting out of sins, (4) the seasons of refreshing. One passage aids in interpreting the other,” Page 271. The insertion of (in baptism) in this quotation is mine.
c. John Gill wrote: “Repent ye, therefore...The Ethiopic version adds: "and be baptized." And be converted, (Acts 3:19). The apostle's sense is, repent of the sin of crucifying Christ...and turn unto him, and acknowledge him as the Messiah...and submit to his ordinance(s) (repent and be baptized)...that your sins may be blotted out; or forgiven,” Acts 3:19; Mark 4:12; Acts 22:16.
d. Conclusion: In both, Acts 2:38; and Acts 3:19, there is enjoined the same mechanism (or act of faith) whereby they can obtain the: "remission of their sins," or the: "blotting out of their sins.” This is the act of "baptism." No person with a "good and honest heart," will reject this is true. It is indisputable. Some might argue about it; others may even deny it; but, none can successfully refute it. It is, in fact, the: "Thus saith the Lord," on how that one receives the: “remission of their sins, or have their sins blotted out!”
1) Peter said it is plainly on Pentecost: "Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins," Acts 2:38. Afterward, before the temple, he exhorted: "Repent you, therefore, and be converted (in baptism), that your sins might be blotted out,” Acts 3:19.
2) The Master announced in His Great Commission: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved,” Mark 16:15-16. And earlier in Mark to the Jews: “Lest at any time they should repent, and be converted (baptized), and their sins should be forgiven them,” Mark 4:12.
3) The same promise is given unto us, if we also would: “Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16.
4) As a nation, America needs to: “repent and be converted; as ministers and teachers, should: “repent and be converted (baptized); and, as individual believers, all should: “repent and be converted (baptized), for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 5:32. Thank you for your patience. I know we have covered a lot of ground in this lesson. As I move to our conclusion, let me review what we have discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Repent and be converted
B. Summarize main points.
1. We have answered the question: "What is meant by being converted?” By this, we clarified: “does being converted include some kind of act of faith?” We saw there is a correlation between the verbs: "be converted and be baptized.”
2. Our scripture of emphasis, read as follows: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord,” Acts 3:19. Acts 3:20-21; might be discussed in another lesson, if the Lord “says so!”
3. We discussed this text in light of the teachings of many, which so often exclude repentance and baptism as part of their message of salvation. It's time for all believers to: "repent and be converted!" And know this, that not all believers have truly been converted. We faithfully sought an answer to this most critical question. We found it to be essential that we consider every text, within its context of the scriptures. We did just that and now conclude: that Acts 2:38; and Acts 3:19 both enjoined the same mechanisms (the acts of faith) whereby one can obtain the: "remission of their sins," or the: "blotting out of their sins.” And this is that they must: “repent and be baptized." Sincere prayer and faith alone do not meet these divine conditions. No believer having a "good and honest heart," will reject this truth. It is indisputable. Some might deny it; others will ignore it, but, they cannot with scriptural authority refute it. “For the word of the Lord is right; and, all His works are done in truth,” Psalms 33:4; 2 Corinthians 13:8.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
“Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
8. The New John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible; by Larry Pierce of Online Bible. All Rights Reserved, Larry Pierce, Winterbourne, Ontario. A printed copy available from The Baptist Standard Bearer, 1 Iron Oaks Dr., Paris, AR, 72855.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
