Why do we need to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)?

Acts 2:38 reads as follows: “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, 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.’” This verse is important as it answers the question of the preceding verse, “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37).

The above interaction on repentance and baptism took place after Apostle Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost. This day marked the beginning of the Christian church, led by the Holy Spirit. Following Jesus’ instructions, the disciples waited in Jerusalem and received the gift of the Holy Spirit, which was manifested through speaking in other tongues. This drew the attention of passers-by who heard the disciples speaking different languages. Through the Holy Spirit, Peter then delivered a speech that resulted in the conversion of over 3,000 people (Acts 2:41).

Repentance and baptism are central concepts in Christianity, but they have also become controversial, with differing opinions on their meaning. Before delving into the “why,” it is important to understand what it means to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

The Greek word for “repent” is metanoia, which conveys a change of mind about something. In the context of Peter’s sermon, repentance involved a change of mind about the person of Jesus. Peter had just confronted his hearers with the truth that “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36). The Jews of Jerusalem needed a big change of mind: they had thought Jesus was worthy of death; they needed to see Him as their Lord and Messiah. In most contexts today, repentance involves a change of mind about Jesus, sin, and salvation.

Before coming to Christ, our perspective on everything was different. Sin was considered normal, Christ was merely a historical figure, and salvation was something to be earned by good deeds outweighing bad deeds. At the point of conviction, our mindset needs to change—we must repent. Sin is revealed for what it truly is: rebellion against the Creator. We also realize that we cannot meet God’s perfect standards and that Christ is our only hope. This total change of mind should inevitably result in a change of behavior (Matthew 3:8).

The word for “baptism” is the Greek word baptismos, which refers to the act of being immersed, submerged, or fully wet. Scripture records two forms of baptism: water baptism and Spirit baptism (Luke 3:16). The context of Acts 2:38 points to water baptism, though, with the mention of “the gift of the Holy Spirit,” Spirit baptism is also at play.

Arguments about the relation of water baptism to salvation can become intense. First, we need to establish that baptism is a command (Matthew 28:19–20). However, we should avoid making water baptism a prerequisite for salvation. In the very next chapter, Peter preaches another sermon (Acts 3:11–26). In it, he commands repentance (verse 19) but never mentions baptism.

We are saved by grace through faith, not by faith plus baptism (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism is symbolic, representing outwardly the inner transformation of the Spirit. Peter commanded it in Acts 2:38 as a way to publicly identify with Jesus.

So, why do we need to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sin? Repentance is a necessary change of mind for salvation, and baptism is a symbolic act through which we identify with Jesus. Both actions demonstrate our faith in Christ and our willingness to obey Him.