The Gift

Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

--Acts 2:38  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on February 16, 2013 of Psalm 35:11-18; Acts 2:22-47; Exodus 38-39:31.

At Pentecost, Peter responded to those who had legitimate questions and the doubters alike.  He testified to Jesus and His promise to send the Holy Spirit after He ascended into heaven.  Some who were truly interested asked how they could also receive what Peter and the other disciples had been given.  Peter responded to them and encouraged them, and all those present, to turn completely away from their sinful ways and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and then the Holy Spirit would enter them as well.  In this account, Luke tells us about three thousand souls joined the ranks of the believers that day!

Baptism, especially by immersion, represents dying in this world and being resurrected and reborn in Christ.  When we do so of our own free will and in His name, we are confessing our belief in Jesus for all to hear and see.  By doing so, and truly repenting of our sins, the Holy Spirit will descend from heaven and enter us and indwell within us.  Peter likens this to a gift, and indeed it is a gift, a wonderful gift.  One Person of the Triune God comes down to live just within us!  What greater gift, when taken in addition to our eternal salvation, could we ever receive?!  Thank You, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit!   Amen.

Dearest Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and be with us through everything we go through.  Thank You for this great and wonderful gift, the same gift You gave Your disciples so long ago.  Thank You, Jesus!  In Your beautiful name we pray.  Amen.