The salvation of the world came through a Jewish Messiah and initially to the Jewish people (Acts 1:8, 10:36–43). But God made the inclusion of the Gentiles clear by giving them the Holy Spirit,  as He had done for Jews at Pentecost. Thankfully, the Savior, who was Jewish, did not come to save only Jews. He came to save people from every tribe, tongue and nation. In the language of Acts 1:8, you are the end of the earth to which the Gospel has gone.

Notice in this story how baptism and conversion are connected (Acts 10:47). Baptism doesn’t save, but it symbolizes salvation. When you go under the water, it represents your faith in Jesus’ death for your sins, and when you come up from the water, it represents your faith in Jesus’ Resurrection to give you new life. To be baptized is to align with the church’s declaration about what is true for those who align with King Jesus; namely, that we are recipients of the salvation our King has won for us. It is a public way of expressing that you are not ashamed to be a follower of Jesus and that His death and Resurrection have saved you.

Have you been baptized? If not, what is holding you back? If so, does your life reflect the truth of baptism—that your sins have been buried with Jesus and you are walking in new life?