Repent and Be Converted (Acts 3:19)

In Acts 3 Peter preaches the Gospel to those in the Temple. He clearly lays out that one needs to have faith in the name of the Messiah (Acts 3:16) and then goes on to describe who the Messiah is and consequently defining the object of one's faith. The Messiah is the Son of God [v 13], the Holy One [v 14], the Just [v 14], the Prince of Life [v 15], the resurrected one [v15], the Annointed [v 18], the Lord [v 19] and the Prophet [v 22]. Peter properly helps his hearers understand who their faith needs to be in. But then after explaining how many of his hearers had rejected the Messiah, he then tells them how they need to respond to his pointing out their sin of rejecting the Messiah. In verse 19, Peter declares that they need to, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." Peter's message is not, "just have faith". Rather Peter's message is to "Repent and be converted." Many individuals understand that having faith in the person and work of the Messiah is required for salvation. However, some fail to recognize the importance of repentance. Repentance has always been part of the Gospel. One needs to acknowledge their sin and desire to turn from it to be able to turn in faith to the Messiah. Peter presents this truth and reality here in this passage. Join us in this message to see how the Bible defines repentance, not only in the context of Acts 3, but also in other key passages in both the Old Testament and New Testament.