The Day of Pentecost

These were the closing words Peter spoke on the day of Pentecost to the crowds of people in Jerusalem. Yet we can hear the words echo in our hearts today – how do we save ourselves from the corruption and wickedness surrounding us? There is one choice we can make that determines our future: whether to receive God’s salvation from the sin of the world or to reject it. We save ourselves by choosing Jesus.

That particular day of Pentecost was unlike the previous festivals the disciples had celebrated. Jesus had recently ascended into Heaven, commanding the disciples to wait for a gift from the Father. They were sitting together in a room in Jerusalem, eagerly waiting for the Holy Spirit Jesus had promised them (Acts 1:8) but unclear about what He meant and unsure about what to expect. Suddenly the Spirit of God entered the place and the Holy Spirit rested upon each disciple. They spoke in tongues, declaring the wonders of God in many languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak, and about 3 000 people repented and were saved that day.

It was a phenomenal day! It was the start of the Christian church (1 Corinthians 12:13), and although the words are from a different time and era, the call still goes out to those who will hear: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved… Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:21-38).