The Bible tells us that sin is a result of yielding to the weakness of the flesh. James 1:13-15 says, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." The Bible says ALL have sinned and come short. (Rom. 3:23)

GOOD NEWS! Sin is a fatal disease that is 100% curable! Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

On the Day of Pentecost the Apostle Peter, having been given the "Keys to the Kingdom," (Matthew 16: 16-19), and having been promised the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost (Luke 24:46-49, Acts 1:1-8), and having received the promised Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-4), was empowered to preach the first message of the New Covenant Dispensation (Acts 2:14-40). Peter concluded this first message of salvation by exposing the weakness (sin) of the people. In verse 36 of Acts 2 Peter said, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

These people responded as we must respond. They took responsibility for the weakness (sin) of their flesh: "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37)

The very first time the message was preached, the very first time someone asked 'What do I need to do?' and now Peter, for the very first time, is going to give the answer!

The Apostle Peter responded by letting them know how to deal with their sin. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:38-39) Peter did not have to call a 'committee' meeting to know how to respond. Jesus had already told them what they were to say! If you want to know how the disciples understood waht Jesus taught them, look into the Bible Book that shows what the said and did. The Book of Acts!

What must we do when the weakness of the flesh, sin, is revealed? The ever changing opinions of morality generated by the heart of society will not be the standard we will be judged against. The standard we must study to learn and apply to our lives is the Word of God, the Holy Bible. Apply the standard of the Word of God to your life. Accept the Plan of Salvation that the Apostle Peter preached to the Jews first in Jerusalem, and also to the Gentiles beginning with the household of Cornelius as recorded in the 10th chapter of The Acts of the Apostles.

Repent of your sins. That is, acknowledge your weakness (sin) and confess to it to God, asking for forgiveness; purpose in your heart by the grace and help of Jesus Christ, the LORD and Savior, to change your lifestyle.

Having repented, in obedience to God's holy Word, acknowledge the death of the old nature by burying it by faith with Christ. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Romans 6:4 "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." Is being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ a necessity? Acts 4:12 says, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." By taking on the name of Jesus Christ in baptism, you will be fulfilling and not just repeating the Great Commission that the LORD Jesus Christ gave to His disciples as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20.

As a result of your repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, the Word of God declares that God will fill you with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:5,8; Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 11:15-18; Acts 19:1-6)

According to Old Testament prphecy, the New Covenant was that God would put His Spirit within us! ( Acts 2:14-21; Joel 2:28-32; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6-13) To be in New Covenant relationship with God you must receive His Spirit. ( Romans 8:9-11 )

New Life Apostolic Church is ready to help you in your Search for TRUTH. Please contact us for information concerning a free Home Bible Study.

Author: Rev. Roger Gray