What exactly was the saving message that must be believed for eternal life preached by Peter?
Peter gives this message: Jesus is the Messiah— but he doesn’t explain that simply by believing that message they have eternal life. By verse 37 the people believe Jesus is the Christ. But believing Jesus is the Christ doesn’t save; one must believe that BY believing in Jesus one is saved; there is a difference. So, are they saved by v.37? It looks like it to me. Did part of Peter’s message just get skipped in being recorded? Verse 38 (turning from sin and being baptized) are works; believers do these things for fellowship once they have eternal life. So v. 38 wouldn’t save.
The only verse I see that could have brought them eternal life is v. 21 (calling on the name of the Lord). Yet I was under the impression one simply believes on Jesus to be saved. In other words, Peter never said “believe on Jesus Christ to be saved eternally” in this passage. He just said Jesus was the Christ. How did they know what would eternally save them?
Acts 2:1 - 40
ESV - 1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
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Asked November 23 2022
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Amanda Harris
Supporter
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Shirley H
Supporter
If you look for the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus in the early chapters of Acts, you will not find it. Why? Look at Matthew chapter 9. The question that Jesus answered, and His response. He was asked, "What must I do to possess eternal life?" Jesus answered, "Keep the commandments, then follow Me." (Verse 21) The apostles, were looking for the arrival of 'the Kingdom.' Peter believed in the "Name" of Jesus. (Verse 38 in chapter 2) Chapter 2, verse 39 says "the promise that was made is for you and your children." What promise? What children? The covenant made to Abraham in Genisis 12:3. This promise goes back to Genesis 3:15. The seed of the woman. That Seed is Christ. The heirs are the children. Abraham's seed, are the Jewish people. The men of Israel. Acts 2:22, Peter addresses the "men of Israel." These are the children of the promise. Notice that the apostles stayed in the Jerusalem area for years after the crucifixion. They were risking their lives expecting the imminent arrival of the Kingdom. Compare Acts 4:13 to Acts 8:1-16. The members of the sanhedrin were amazed at the boldness of Peter and John! In 8:17, they had laid hands on, and baptized in the"Name" of Jesus. The Holy Spirit was then received, by he POWER of Jesus Name. Acts chapter 9, Paul is persecuting Christians, Stephen is martyred. Then Saul is chosen to be an instrument of Jesus to bring "My Name" to the gentiles. Then see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. It is all about the blood and faith in Jesus death, burial and resurrection. Law has been fulfilled, and now we are in the age of Grace.
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