Repent. Believe. Receive.

It’s natural to hear the gospel and immediately wonder, “What must I do?” After Apostle Peter’s powerful sermon in Acts 2, the first response from the crowd was, “What shall we do?” His answer was simple: “Repent, believe, and receive.”

At first, this might seem too easy—can repenting, believing, and receiving God’s Spirit truly erase the weight of one’s past? The answer is yes. This is how we are made righteous before God.

What Does It Really Mean to Repent, Believe, and Receive?

1. Repent – To repent means to turn away from sin, to leave it behind completely, never looking back. While it may sound simple, true repentance is a daily, intentional act. Coming into Christ means accepting that you’ve been crucified with Him—it requires dying daily to desires that once felt normal. You never truly realize how desensitized you’ve become to sin until you are made new in Christ. Repentance isn’t just a confession; it’s a visible transformation, evident in the way you now live.

2. Believe – Faith is not passive; it’s an ongoing, active trust in God. The Bible tells us that Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. This means believing in God’s promises despite what you see in the physical. You might lose your job, friends, or face challenges, but belief is choosing to trust that God has the best plan for you, even when you can’t see it. Believe God, not your feelings—they are temporary, but He is eternal.

3. Receive – This is about welcoming God’s Spirit into your life. It’s allowing Him into your most personal space—your heart. When He enters, He doesn’t just visit; He comes as a master craftsman, repairing what is broken. You don’t need to help Him—if you struggle with anger, pride, or any weakness of the flesh, He begins the work of transformation. But He won’t force His way in; you must give Him room. The more you yield, the more you become like Christ.

When you accept Jesus, transformation is an ongoing journey—a lifelong process that continues until the day you meet Him face to face. Until then, it’s best to partner with Him and embrace everything He offers. It’s beautiful.

This is the believer’s reality: Repent. Believe. Receive. Simple, yet life-changing.

May the Lord be with you, and welcome to CovenantBilly.com—it’s great to have you here!