In this study we will be looking at a number of conversions
recorded in the Book of Acts. From these we will be able to determine what God
required of those people and us in response to the grace, which He has lavished
on mankind.
A number of conversions are recorded in the Book of Acts
but there are many, many conversions that are not recorded. Is this just a
happen stance? I would suggest that these were recorded for a particular
reason.
Pentecost
3, 000 Jews are converted, as the gospel is first presented
at Jerusalem. This is the conversion norm as established by its primacy and the
statement by the Apostle Peter that the promise was to them (Jew) and their
children and all them that were afar off (Gentiles), even as many as God would
call to Himself.
They heard the heard the word;
They believed. Acts 2: 44
They were pierced to the heart. Acts 2: 37
They were convicted of their sins.
They asked, “Brethren, what shall we do?”
Acts 2: 37
Peter told them to repent and be baptized for the
forgiveness of sins and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
They repented of their sins. Acts 2: 38
They were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.
Acts 2: 38
They received the Holy Spirit. Acts 2: 38
Samaritans
The Samaritans were a mixed race who had as little
interaction with Jews as possible. God called both men and women.
Philip proclaimed Christ to them. Acts 8: 5
They believed the good news about the kingdom of God.
Acts 8: 12
Both men and women were baptized but they did not
immediately receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8: 12
The Apostles Peter and John confirmed their conversion
by praying for them and laying hands on them.
They received the Holy Spirit.
Ethiopian Eunuch
The Ethiopian was Gentile yet a proselyte to Judaism
Philip preached Jesus to him. It is interesting that
the “preaching of Jesus” provokes the questions, “What hinders me from being
baptized?” He was told that is he believes, he may be baptized. Acts 8: 35
He believes. Acts 8: 37
He confessed that Jesus was the Son of God. Acts 8: 37
He was baptized. Acts 8: 38
Saul of Tarsus
Saul was a rabid Pharisee, murder, and persecutor of the
church
The Lord appeared to Saul and spoke to him and
temporarily blinded him. He told Saul to go to Damascus were he would be told
what he must do.
Paul prayed and fasted three days and night. Acts 9: 9,
11
Ananias laid hands on Saul. Acts 9: 17
Paul was told to arise and be baptized and wash away his
sin.
Acts 22: 16
Paul was baptized. Acts 9: 18
Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 9: 17
Cornelius
Cornelius was a Gentile, soldier and recognized as a good
man
Peter spoke the good news to Cornelius and his
household. Acts 10: 35- 43
They believed. Acts 11: 17
They received the Holy Spirit as demonstrated by
speaking in tongues. The normal order was reversed in this case to
demonstrate that Gentiles. Acts 10: 44
They were baptized in water. Acts 10: 47
Lydia
Lydia was a woman, a worshipper of God
Paul spoke the word. Acts 16: 14
God opened her heart.
She believed. Acts 16: 15
She was baptized. Acts 16: 15
Philippian jailor
The jailor was an unbeliever
Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord. Acts 16: 32
He asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Acts 16: 30
He believed. Acts 16: 34
He repented- although not specifically stating his
washing the wounds and feeding Paul and Silas demonstrated repentance. Acts
16: 35
He was baptized. Acts 16: 33
Ephesians
The disciples of John the Baptist
Paul spoke to them.
They believed (not specifically stated) as shown by
their willingness to be baptized.
They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Paul laid hands on them.
They received the Holy Spirit as demonstrated by
speaking with tongues.
Conclusion:
We find a consistent pattern in these records. The word
was preached; people believed and were baptized and received the Holy Spirit.
Faith is our connection with grace. Faith is the “how”
of salvation.
Baptism is not the “why” of salvation; baptism is the
“when” of salvation. Grace is the “why” of salvation.
God has determined to save those that believe in as much
as God reckons faith for righteousness. Baptism is the time this occurs.
Baptism, itself, does not earn or merit salvation;
instead it is the completion of faith.
All of this is consistent with Mark 16: 16, “He who
believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved
shall be condemned”
Friends, salvation is based on the grace of God. The
death of Jesus for our sins is the ground of salvation. Baptism is God’s gift
to those that believe; God has appointed baptism as the time when He fulfills
His promises to us.
When one is baptized, God forgives our sins in the name
of Jesus Christ and gives the Holy Spirit.