Thought from today’s Bible reading from Joel 1-3.
In prophesying of the “great and awesome day of the Lord” (Joel 2:31), the prophet Joel indicated who it was that would be delivered:
“And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered…” (Joel 2:32).
Paul reminded the saints in Rome of this promise as well, as it had a direct impact upon their salvation.
“Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
If you listen to denominationalists, they will explain that this verse teaches that in order for one to be saved, he simply needs to make a verbal call to God (sometimes described as a “sinner’s prayer”). But is this what these passages are teaching? The apostle Peter did not think so.
When Peter preached the gospel on the day of Pentecost, he explained that the events that were unfolding were a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy:
“But this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel… ‘And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Acts 2:16-21).
When the people were eventually convicted by the message, they asked Peter and the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Notice Peter’s answer:
“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
Why did Peter tell them to repent and be baptized instead of calling on the name of the Lord? Denominationalists may think there is a contradiction here, but there is not. It is the same as Paul was told when he needed to be saved.
“Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16).
One calls on the name of the Lord by being baptized into Christ. Therefore, despite what the denominationalists teach, baptism is essential for salvation.
Tomorrow’s reading: Daniel 1-3
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
Daily Notes & Observations contains all 365 articles from this series and is available in paperback from Gospel Armory.
