And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Acts 2:21 (KJV)

The message Peter preached that day was God’s precious plan of salvation. It is a message that has not changed, nor lost its power. It is a message that still brings hope to the hopeless, life to those dead in sin and forgiveness to those struggling under the burden of their sins.

The Scope or Measure of God’s Plan

Many things in life are exclusive but anyone can be saved!

  • He will save a dying thief (Luke 23)
  • A sin-stained woman (John 4)
  • A ruthless, ungodly tax collector (Luke 19)
  • Some innocent little children (Matthew 18)
  • A brutal Roman Centurion (Matthew 27)
  • A self-righteous Pharisee named Paul (Acts 9)
  • A demon possessed man (Mark 5)
  • A demon possessed slave girl (Acts 16)
  • A wealthy female merchant (Acts 16)

Further supporting verses:

  • Revelation 22:17
  • John 3:16
  • John 6:37
  • Isaiah 55:1
  • Romans 3:23
  • Galatians 3:22
  • Romans 3:10)

The Simplicity of God’s Plan

As Peter continued to preach, he promised that those who would simply, “call on the name of the Lord” would be saved! When Peter delivered his message, he stated that it was a simple as “calling on the name of the Lord.” (Romans 10:13, Joel 2:32) This refers to the call of faith. To be saved, a person must be aware of some very important things.

  1. They must know that they are sinners. (Romans 3:23)
  2. They must know that there is a price on sin. (Romans 6:23, Romans 5:12)
  3. They must know that Jesus paid that price for them. (Romans 5:6-8)
  4. They must understand the truth of the gospel. (Romans 10:9-10)
  5. They must be willing to ask the Lord to save their soul. (Romans 10:13, Ephesians 2:8-9)

Salvation is simple, all it requires is that you receive the gospel message and that you receive Jesus into your life. However, there is one thing easier than getting saved and that is going to Hell. To go to hell, you have to do absolutely nothing!

The Substance of God’s Plan

Peter sums up the benefits of salvation in three words, “shall be saved.” The word “saved” literally means to rescue from all harm and danger; to keep safe and sound; to deliver; and to save. Here is what being saved does for you:

  1. Salvation brings deliverance from the wrath of God. (John 3:36, Romans 5:9)
    This also mean deliverance from hell!
  2. Salvation brings forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 2:13)
    It produces a perfectly clean life! Our sins were imputed and charged to Him on the cross. (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
  3. Salvation brings absolute security. (John 10:28)
  4. Salvation brings the promise of heaven. (1 Corinthians 2:9
  5. Salvation brings about a changed life. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

There are dozens of other things that come our way when we are saved. 

  • We become the children of God. (1 John 3:2)
  • We become the heirs of God. (Romans 8:17)
  • We become the servants of God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
  • We become salt and light in the world. (Matthew 5:13-16, John 14:6)

2,000 years ago, Peter preached this same Gospel to a crowd and 3,000 were saved. Come to Jesus and be saved if you’re tired of sin; if you’re tired of fighting against the Lord; and if you’re tired of worrying about where you will spend eternity.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 8:36-37 (KJV)