Acts 2:37 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?
In many evangelistic efforts persons are instructed and encouraged to be baptized, and to follow on to know The Lord, by trusting and obeying Him. But in some instances, prospective candidates for baptism are not instructed on how to repent. The baptismal pledge to do such and such things by God’s grace is good, but true repentance must always precede the changes that are to be wrought in one’s life.
True repentance does not only involve a confession of one’s sins, it also includes a definitive change of mind and direction, by which one chooses to allow the work and presence of The Holy Ghost to begin and continue for as long as life shall last.
The genuine behavioral changes that are the results of God’s work in the heart then continue non-stop, until the image of God is reflected radiantly in the one who has repented. But first though, we are to understand that repentance is something that we can come up with in and of ourselves.
Acts 2:38 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.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!