Kent Bailey
The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Within this divine scheme is revealed the righteousness of God (Rom. 1:17). The covenant of Moses revealed that God was and is a righteous being, however it took the scheme of Redemption, as revealed in the Gospel, for accountable humanity to be made righteous. The phrase “righteousness of God” in verse 17 therefore does not speak with reference to a personal attribute of God, but rather, such is indicative of the plan of God to make sinful humanity righteous.
The first Pentecost following the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ was the first occurrence of the Gospel being preached. This was the appointed time for the beginning of the New Covenant. It was the day that the kingdom, which had been both prophesied and promised in the Old Testament, was inaugurated. This was also the day upon which the coronation of Christ took place in being crowned King over this kingdom.
Salvation was the theme. Deliverance from the bondage of sin was announced as well as preservation in Christ was offered to those who, not only would obey the conditions of pardon, but also remain steadfast to the truth of God.
The place foretold by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah was that of Jerusalem (Isa. 2:3). From this ancient city, the word of the Lord would go forth offering deliverance from sin to those held in bondage. In consideration of such facts, the gospel of Christ is thus The Old Jerusalem Gospel.
As we consider this crucial message we note that on that day: Salvation was preached (Acts 2:14-15). The inspired record states that Peter stood up with the eleven and addressed those assembled. He could address them in one common language. The apostles had earlier addressed them in their native languages, not because such was a necessity, but rather, as a miraculous sign (1 Cor. 14:22).
In this specific sermon we note the first proclamation of the Gospel as the Great Commission began to be executed. The reign of Christ over men transpired and the magnitude of this occasion is clearly stated.
Salvation had been prophesied (Acts 2:16-21). The events that took place on this particular Pentecost did not happen by accident. They were the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Such was a demonstration of God’s eternal scheme (Joel 2:28- 32; Isa. 2:1-2; Micah 4:1-3).
Salvation was personified (Acts 2:22-24). Peter, within this sermon, uplifted the incarnate person of Christ. He argued that Jesus had been approved of God among them. The term approved (apodeiknumi) speaks with reference to proving by demonstration. It was by a divine demonstration of miracles, wonders, and signs that Jesus was demonstrated to be the Christ.
Salvation was portrayed (Acts 2:25-36). By the term portrayed, we refer to that of giving a word picture. Here we note Peter’s description through the language expressed by David in the Old Testament. Only Christ could have fulfilled such depictions.
Salvation was presented (Acts 2:37-38). As believers, who had been convicted of the sin of crucifying Christ, they confessed their faith in Jesus as the Christ. This awareness of guilt in their lives brought abut a desire as believers in Christ to be forgiven of their sins. This conviction of sin in their lives cause them to inquire regarding conditions that they must obey in order to be forgiven. By the inspiration of God Peter told them to repent and be baptized by the authority of Christ for (unto in order to) the remission of sins. The terms of faith in Christ, repentance of sin, confession of Christ, and baptism for the remission of sins are the conditions alien sinners must obey in order to receive salvation.
Salvation was provided (Acts 2:41). Those who obeyed the saving gospel of Christ enthusiastically accepted the truths that they had learned. Our text refers to this as gladly receiving the word. The NT Greek term apodechomai means literally to welcome. These individuals welcomed the word of God that moved them to obey what they had learned. Such indeed brought about salvation from sin.
Salvation was perfected (Acts 2:42-46). Salvation from sin obligates the child of God to bring their life into complete submission unto Christ in growth and also in faithfulness to the New Testament pattern.
Salvation was placed (Acts 2:47). If it is the case that (A) baptism is for (unto in order to) the remission of past alien sins, and (B) that remission of past alien sins is found within the New Testament church, and (C) that one must come to understand that the design of baptism is for the remission of sins in order for such to be valid, then (D) then one must also understand that remission of sins is found within the confines of the New Testament church for one’s baptism to be valid. Such is indeed the case with all of the above stated premises, therefore the conclusion must follow as being true (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:47; Rom. 6:17-18; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22- 23).
The Old Jerusalem Gospel is God’s exclusive appointed means of salvation from sin. We must believe the facts of such and obey the conditions found within in order to be recipients of divine forgiveness. Have you obeyed this saving message of Christ?
