SALVATION PROGRESSION
ACTS 2:40-42 NKJV
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Peter, the one who had denied the Lord not even two months earlier, preached quite a message.
This sermon came after the Holy Spirit had made His presence known with a mighty sound and a supernatural sign.
Thinking the 120 followers who spilled out of the upper room speaking in tongues were drunk, Peter brought the onlookers up to speed on what actually had occurred.
Peter declared that no one was drunk, but rather this sign was the fulfillment of the prophecy. He then shifted into a declaration of who Jesus was and how He was unjustly condemned and crucified. But God raised Him from the dead. And this Jesus is the One who poured out the Holy Spirit. And this Jesus is both Lord and Christ. It was an amazing sermon.
The people were cut to the heart and asked, out of desperation, what shall we do? Peter replied, repent and be baptized, and you too can receive this gift of the Holy Spirit.
Peter, in our verses for today, warns them to be saved from this perverse or crooked generation.
Here is where we see the salvation progression.
Those who gladly received his word were baptized, and 3000 came to salvation. Some translations leave out the word 'gladly,' but it makes perfect sense. The gospel is good news and has to be received.
The next step was to be baptized. A great action step after receiving salvation.
Then they continued consistently in the apostles' teachings and fellowship. Eating together and praying.
So, receiving the word of salvation. Being baptized in water. Staying with biblical teaching. Fellowship with other believers and praying. This was the salvation progression.
APPLICATION:
What was available on that day of Pentecost is still available to us today.
Receiving the word of salvation. Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Continuing to learn by application of biblical teaching. Fellowship with other believers, church fits here. And fellowship with the Lord in prayer. This progression helped a new church grow and reach others, and the same principle applies to the church of today.