What Meaneth This?
Amazement, doubt, and fear filled the hearts of the Jews, gathered from many nations, even strangers from Rome who were gathered in Jerusalem in observance of the feast of the passover. That strange sound from heaven as of a mighty wind, those mysterious cloven tongues of fire sitting yonder on those twelve men. What meaneth this? Are they not simple men of Judea? Was not that one a tax collector? Were not those two standing there fishermen? While they sought the answer to the supernatural events unfolding before their very eyes, some mocked, others refused to believe the undeniable evidence that these men spake from God, each hearing in their own native tongue. Those who listened and believed found the answer to man's eternal quest, God's remedy for sin.
Peter, speaking by inspiration, declared these events to be the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, that God's eternal purpose was now a reality. The church of our Lord shall no longer be spoken of in the future tense; it is here. This meant for the first time in the history of man, his sins could be forgiven, blotted out, and remembered against him no more. Some three thousand on that memorable Sunday morning were obedient to the inspired words of Peter and they became the first of countless thousands to have their sins remitted and the accompanying guilt forever destroyed.
This meant that the prophecy of Dan. 2:44 had now come to pass, that God had established a kingdom that would never be destroyed. No longer must men search in vain for the fulfillment of God's promises. Man did not establish this kingdom, man can not destroy it. It was to have its beginning in Jerusalem. (Isa. 2:2-4.) It was at hand in the days of John the Baptist. (Mt. 3:1,2.) Christ said he would build it during the lifetime of his disciples. (Mt. 16:18, Mk. 9:1.) It was to come with power and the power was to come when the Spirit came. (Mk. 9:1, Acts 1:8.) These scriptures found their fulfillment on this significant day. What meaneth this? Blind indeed is the one who fails to see the purposes of God Almighty on this the first Pentecost after Christ's resurrection.
This meant that the great commission of our Lord and Saviour was now to be proclaimed throughout the whole world. The command to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel" had had its beginning, henceforth, "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved". (Mk. 16:15,16.)
Dear reader, what does this mean to YOU? God's plan of salvation has not changed from that day to this. God's forgiveness comes, and can come, only to those who obey from the heart that form of doctrine. In the God breathed words of Peter, you too must, "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins." (Acts 2:38.) In Christ there is forgiveness of sins. (Eph. 1:7.) In Him there is salvation and redemption. (2 Tim. 2:10, Col. 1:14.) Yes, all the promises of God and every spiritual blessing are to be found in Christ. (2 Cor. 1:20, Eph. 1:3.) One can not be saved apart from these blessings. They are all in Him, his body, the church. If you are a penitent believer, be baptized into Him without delay. (Rom. 6:3, Gal. 3:27.)