What the Holy Spirit had Bible writers put down in words is priceless. Sometimes, however, what he has not had them to write is also very revealing. 

Pentecost, for example. Peter testified about how Jesus was proven to be the Messiah by miracles, wonders and signs and how he was rejected and put to death, but resurrected the third day.

When he concluded by saying that God made this one they crucified both Lord and Christ, they were pierced to the heart. When they cried out asking Peter what to do, his instructions were clear; repent of their lack of faith in Jesus and allow themselves to be baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of their sins.

The Holy Spirit had Luke to write that down for us to see. But what was NOT said?

Peter did not tell them to ask Jesus into their hearts. As a matter of fact, as “good” as that may sound to some, this expression does not appear anywhere in Jesus’ New Testament. Would not Pentecost and the birth of the Lord’s church have been a perfect time to teach this practice if it were of the truth?

Peter also did not tell them to say the sinner’s prayer. Perhaps Peter did not tell them that because Jesus had not told Peter anything about it. Neither Jesus nor his apostles ever spoke of a sinner’s prayer that was required for folks to pray in order to receive salvation?

Luke never recorded in his account of Pentecost that anyone argued against being baptized because the thief on the cross was not baptized. No one.

No one accused Peter of teaching a “works based” salvation. No one on that day said that baptism had nothing to do with salvation. No one claimed that baptism was simply an outward sign of an inward grace.

I recommend we believe and do what we are clearly told those on Pentecost were to believe and do. Please, don’t put your hope and trust in things Jesus and his apostles never said.