As we consider Acts 2:38, the question arises—Why did Peter emphasize baptism to such an extent to this particular crowd? This goes back to what we discussed last week; that repentance indicates a turning from sin unto God. Many have rightly described it as doing a 180 degree change of direction. So, think about what Peter has charged this crowd with—crucifying the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Then upon asking what they should do to be saved from their guilt, Peter says to turn from their wicked ways and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ—the same name they despised so much several weeks before that they cried out for execution!
Therefore, being willing to be publicly associated with this Jesus would be evidence of a changed heart. This is why Peter can say: Don’t think you have forgiveness of sins if you’re not willing to be baptized in Jesus’ name. It is undeniable that baptism was joined with the conversion experience in almost every account in Acts. Try to find someone getting saved in Acts who denies the command to be baptized. That’s why even in our day, if someone refuses to be baptized we should really struggle to refer to that person as a believer, in the same way that if someone refuses to turn from sin or love one another. Baptism can be classified in a James 2 category (faith without works is dead). In Acts 2, repentance without baptism is dead. Thus, baptism is an incredibly important aspect of our obedience to Christ as evidenced not only in Acts, but also in the Great Commission at the end of Matt. 28. So we must not minimize it by negating the importance of publicly associating oneself with Jesus Christ and the work he has done in one’s heart, nor should we allow it to have more weight than the Bible gives it, as if it grants automatic entrance into the new covenant or is the ticket to receive the Holy Spirit.