The Prophet Joel

The prophets of the Old Testament foretold many things regarding the coming of Christ, his church, and God’s plan of salvation. Peter states, “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you” 1 Peter 1:9-10. The prophets foretold of the grace that would be revealed by God; salvation.

The prophet Joel prophesied concerning how God was going to bring about his salvation and grace. Joel stated, “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be delivered.” Joel 2:32. When Peter preached on the day of Pentecost he pleaded with people to turn to God and accept his salvation. Peter preached, “But this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel” Acts 2:16. According to Peter, the evens of Pentecost were the events prophesied to occur long before by Joel. Peter repeats Joel’s prophesy, “And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” Acts 2:21. Peter continued his sermon convicting the people of Jerusalem that they were in need of God’s salvation. Peter preached, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified” Acts 2:36.

After hearing Peter preach, the people hearing his sermon fully believed in Jesus as the Son of God. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37. Peter’s answer may surprise many people, for Peter did not tell them to “pray the sinners prayer”, nor did he tell them to confess aloud their faith in Jesus. “And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:38. Peter told them to repent and be baptized. This was the way in which the people would call upon the name of the Lord. Paul was told the same thing: “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name” Acts 22:16. We call upon his name by being buried in baptism. After all, this is how we are raised to walk in newness of life, Romans 6.3-4.

Why would Paul and Peter teach such an idea? As Apostles of Jesus, they were teaching as Jesus taught. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned” Mark 16:16. Jesus also said, “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19. Jesus and his Apostles all taught that in order not to be condemned, a person must believe and be baptized.