Whoever
Calls
by Mark Ames
In
Acts chapter 2 we have the establishment of the church and the kingdom
that was promised in the Old Testament. In Peter's first sermon he quotes
the prophet Joel. Just to make it clear to everyone that this prophecy was
speaking of these events, Peter says in verse 16 "This is what
was spoken by the prophet Joel". In Acts 2:21 Peter makes the
following quote from Joel 2: 'And it shall come to pass that whoever
calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’
This verse is often used as a basis of
explaining what someone must do to be saved. People will quote this verse
to say that simply believing and calling on Jesus is all that is needed to
be saved today. When you look at what Jesus says in Matthew, it is clear
that there are things He expects of us. Matt 7:21 “Not everyone who
says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he
who does the will of My Father in heaven”.
Jesus makes it very clear that calling out His
name alone is not enough. It does involve doing His will as well.
"Calling" somebody and "Calling on" somebody is not
the same thing. To "call on" someone means you realize you are
relying on their help and will accept their terms and conditions. In Acts
22:16 we have as clear example of how someone calls on the name of the
Lord. Acts 22:16 "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be
baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
"
Baptism is part of calling on the name of the
Lord. Peter makes this aspect of baptism very clear as well. 1 Peter 3:21
"Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--not the
removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good
conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,". Baptism
is not just getting wet. It is not cleaning off the dirt on your skin. It is not something to be done as a demonstration
of faith for a salvation already received. It is an "appeal to
God", a "calling on", a plea.
In Acts 2:22-36, Peter continues on and tells
the people that Jesus of Nazareth was a man approved of God, crucified,
raised, and exalted to the right hand of God. His conclusion to this was
"God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
When the people heard this they were cut to the heart and they asked
"What shall we do?”
For the first time in history, people will be
told how to obtain forgiveness of sins in this new age where all who call
on the name of the Lord will be saved. Peter’s response to their
question was: Acts 2:38-39 "Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and
let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar
off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Repent and be
baptized was what Peter told them to do to in order for them to
receive the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 2:40-41 And with many other words he
testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse
generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized;
and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
