Why do we need to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)?

Answer

Acts 2:38 states: “Peter responded, ‘Repent and be baptized, each 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.’” This verse is significant as it addresses the query from the previous verse, “When the people heard this, they were deeply moved and asked Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’” «Now when they heard this, they were pierced in their hearts, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what should we do? », (Acts 2:37).

The aforementioned dialogue on repentance and baptism occurred following Apostle Peter’s address on the day of Pentecost. This day marked the inception of the Christian church, guided by the Holy Spirit. Following Jesus’ directives, the disciples waited in Jerusalem and received the Holy Spirit, which was evidenced through speaking in different languages. This caught the attention of bystanders who overheard the disciples speaking diverse languages. Through the Holy Spirit, Peter then delivered a speech that led to the conversion of more than 3,000 individuals «Then those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. », (Acts 2:41).

Repentance and baptism are fundamental concepts in Christianity, yet they have sparked debates, with varying interpretations of their significance. Before exploring the “why,” it is crucial to grasp the meanings of repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

The Greek term for “repent” is metanoia, which signifies a change of mind about something. In the context of Peter’s sermon, repentance entailed a change of mind regarding the identity of Jesus. Peter had just

He confronted his hearers with the truth that “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” «Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. », (Acts 2:36). The Jews of Jerusalem needed a significant change of mind: they had thought Jesus was worthy of death; they needed to see Him as their Lord and Messiah. In most contexts today, repentance involves a change of mind about Jesus, sin, and salvation.

Before coming to Christ, our perspective on everything was different. Sin was considered normal, Christ was merely a historical figure, and salvation was something to be earned by good deeds outweighing bad deeds. At the point of conviction, our mindset needs to change—we must repent. Sin is revealed for what it truly is: rebellion against the Creator. We also realize that we cannot meet God’s perfect standards and that Christ is our only hope. This total change of mind should inevitably result in a change of behavior «Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: », (Matthew 3:8).

The word for “baptism” is the Greek word baptismos, which refers to the act of being immersed, submerged, or fully wet. Scripture records two forms of baptism: water baptism and Spirit baptism «John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: », (Luke 3:16). The context of Acts 2:38 points to water baptism; however, with the mention of “the gift of the Holy Spirit,” Spirit baptism is also at play.

Arguments about the relation of water baptism to salvation can become intense. First, wWe need to establish that baptism is a command (Matthew 28:19-20). However, we should avoid making water baptism a prerequisite for salvation. In the very next chapter, Peter preaches another sermon (Acts 3:11-26). In it, he commands repentance (verse 19) but never mentions baptism.

We are saved by grace through faith, not by faith plus baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is symbolic, representing outwardly the inner transformation of the Spirit. Peter commanded it in Acts 2:38 as a way to publicly identify with Jesus.

But what did Peter mean by commanding people to be baptized “for” the forgiveness of sins? The Greek word translated “for” (eis) in Acts 2:38 can mean “because of” or “as the result of.” The word for in English can carry a similar meaning: a doctor’s advice to “take two aspirin for your headache” is an obvious command to take the pills because of the headache. Noted Greek scholars such as A. T. Robertson and J. R. Mantey have maintained that the Greek preposition eis in Acts 2:38 should be translated “because of” or “in view of,” not “in order to” or “for the purpose of.”

The same Greek word (eis) is translated “at” in Matthew 12:41:

The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at (eis) the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.