In today’s passage, we read about the response to Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost. No one in the crowd seems to be denying Peter’s claim that they are responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion. Instead, it hurts them deeply. They want to know what to do.

Peter tells them first to repent. The Greek word metanoia can be used to mean an expression of remorse, but it can also indicate gaining new understanding. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ require a new understanding of the Messiah. Repentance in this case may mean the willingness to see in a new way, a better way that is God’s way.

Peter tells the people gathered to be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ” so their sins can be forgiven. Forgiveness can mean the pardon of sins, but perhaps here Peter means that the people can be released from their sins. To be freed from wrong thinking and wrongdoing is to become a new person, to participate in Christ’s resurrection. The cleansing waters of baptism are not only the washing away of corruption but also are symbolic of dying with Christ to be raised with Christ to a new life.

While we might be baptized only once, we may return over and over again to the cleansing power of the waters of our baptism. Repentance and baptism mark us as Christians, as people who are forgiven and free, who seek to live into our resurrection in Jesus Christ, and who are free to be in authentic relationships with God and with one another by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.