In Peter’s first Gospel sermon, he preached his heart out to what could have been a most hostile audience in the hope that the planted Seed would produce the fruit of repentance and obedience. Oh how wonderful the response must have seemed to him after a rather pointed accusation that they were responsible for the crucifixion of the Son of God, and then to hear: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).
You see, they had just killed the Christ using a Roman cross. (Evidently, it is not politically correct in today’s hyper-sensitive culture to defend the Scripture on this point but, yes, Jews killed Jesus and, whereas that truth has no bearing upon Jewish people’s situation or position today any more than holding white southern farmers responsible for last century’s slavery, it is still the truth of the matter.) These Jews were guilty of sin and, if the Bible is to be believed, even they knew it and were desperately concerned about it! So, what did Peter tell them to do?
This is where modern doctrines on salvation get a little convoluted and confused. Salvation plans these days are too off the cuff and too void of Bible for a student of divine Revelation. The question has always been and always will be: “Where did Peter go wrong?” He didn’t tell them not to worry about it because “God just loves you” in spite of your rebellion, apathy or ignorance (one always has to stick “just” in there for sincerity’s appearance because it just sounds more religious). He didn’t tell them to say the “Sinner’s Prayer” (and you will note that while the “prayer” is singular, depending upon who you ask, there are tons of different “prayers” none of which is found in the Bible, anywhere in any form). No, instead, Peter just said, “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). Simple, isn’t it?