A life of holiness is the hallmark of a true believer. Titus 2:11-12 reminds us, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

We are called to follow Christ’s example:

• I Peter 2:21-23: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”

Holiness is not optional:

• Hebrews 12:14: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

We encourage all believers to live lives that honor God and reflect His transformative power in every area of their lives.

Repentance is the heartfelt confession and turning away from sin, leading to forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Repentance involves a change of heart, mind, and purpose, transforming one’s life. John the Baptist preached repentance (Matthew 3:2), Jesus proclaimed it (Mark 1:15), and the Apostles emphasized it to both Jews and Gentiles:

• Acts 2:38: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

• Acts 11:18: “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

• Acts 17:30: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.”

Luke 24:47 declares, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Baptism by immersion symbolizes the believer’s full repentance and commitment to Christ. It is reserved for those who have turned from sin and is performed in the name of Jesus Christ. This act of obedience fulfills the command in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus instructed, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

The Apostles demonstrated this by baptizing in the name of Jesus Christ:

• Acts 2:38: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

• Acts 8:16: “For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

• Acts 19:5: “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

John the Baptist foretold the baptism of the Holy Spirit, saying, “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matthew 3:11). Jesus confirmed this promise in Acts 1:5: “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples experienced this promise:

• Acts 2:4: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” This initial evidence of speaking in tongues is confirmed throughout Scripture:

• Acts 10:46: “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.”

• Acts 19:6: “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”

The prophet Joel foretold this outpouring, saying, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh” (Joel 2:28).