Repent and be baptized, every one of you

That is one eye opening account on many fronts. As you point out, Paul diagnosed the problem of their not having received the Holy Ghost yet. The account reveals:

1. People don't automatically receive the Holy Ghost the moment they believe as seen in Paul's initial question.
2. The group did not receive the Holy Ghost the instant they were told of and believed in Jesus.
3. The group actually received the Holy Ghost when Paul laid hands upon them AFTER they obeyed the NT command and were baptized in the name of Jesus. (water)
4. The group spoke in tongues upon being indwelt by the Holy Ghost providing confirmation that the experience is available for all who believe in Jesus. The account dispels the idea that God only used speaking in tongues as a witness of the birth and extension of the church. (Acts 2, 8, 10)


There is no question as scripture reveals that all individual's living in the NT era are required to believe and obey the same gospel message:

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And THEY CONTINUED STEDFASTLY IN THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE... Acts 2:41-42

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the COMMON SALVATION, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE DELIVERED UNTO THE SAINTS ." Jude 3

Of course not... that decision is God's decision. All we can do is go by what we are told in scripture. Each person has to live by what his conscience, with the Holy Spirit, tells him to do. But scripture is pretty plain, taken all together.

that’s exactly it . Anybody who hears about baptism for the remission of sins in his name

If they believe it they just will get baptized with joy because they understand what it means and who created and said to do it and then promised to remit thier sins who believed

ashen we start insisting “ No one needs baptism “ it’s just creating an alternative to what god said and sent to all creatures of the earth for salvation

some say that baptism is a “work “ but it’s really just acting on what God said involving salvation. And we don’t really actually do anything just show up willingly and step forward . The baptizer is the only one working we just make the confession and are willingly baptized in our lords name and body . his church who died for us and rose again.

We simply step forward because we understand what it’s all about having believed the gospel of Jesus dying , being buried , and rising up again on our behalf .

It’s why we are placed under the water and then Lifted back up above it by the man of God baptizing us. It’s because we believe this testimony which founds everything we hope for

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:3-4, KJV‬‬

when we believe this and hear what baptism means for us it makes perfect sense as an offer and a simple response

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death he died for our sins baptism is us accepting that truth by faith and responding to his word by faith )

that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death,( Paul’s still talking about baptism which he’s explained is into Christs death ) we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. ( he’s talking about this concept of death through baptism and now adding that the believer is crucified with Christ by faith and how this helps us overcome sin )


Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

paul is actually explaining the inner workings of baptism and how it effectively impacts those who will hear and believe and receive faith
He still is talking about this concept he’s began here

This concept of being baptized o to Christs death and being made free from sins dominion

“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin,

ye became the servants of righteousness.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:17-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

still he’s talking about it here this concept of how those who were baptized into Christ were baptized into the death he died for them and their sins he’s still talking about ways it applies to the Hearer of faith

“Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

….Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; ( because of this concept Paul’s been explaining about baptism and what it means ) that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

For when we were in the flesh, ( before we got baptized for remission of sins in him and died with him and received his spirit )

the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. ( why we died to the law ) But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held;( another reason ) that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:1, 4-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Baptism is a simple act of faith if we really accept what the Bible says about baptism in Jesus name for remission in many places anyone who believes will want badly to get baptized just because of what he promises to those who get baptized believing the gospel Paul teaches rewlly deep things about baptism that build or faith and understanding

But what happens is some argue that baptism isn’t baptism or isnt for what scripture says it’s for when that happens it immediately kills faith in anyone who accepts it and baptism then becomes irrelevant again because “ you don’t need to do anything your saved by grace through faith already “

If we just all shared and believed what scripture really says in the gospel faith would explode but instead we argue of the very bare basics “ is baptism for remission really something we need to believe ?” “ is repentance really something I need to take seriously ?”
Is communion with the body and blood really important ?

the Bible teaches thoroughly about baptism for remission of sins anyone who hears and believes will gladly rush to get baptized and celebrate

Yes. I agree that from scripture one could conclude that all those gathered at Pentecost were required to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ even though the scripture does not specifically reveal it. The NT water baptism is administered in the name of Jesus for the remission of ones sin when individuals believe in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.

I came to this conclusion upon consideration of the following scriptures:

1. Jesus prophesied that repentance and remission of sin would be preached in His name TO ALL NATIONS, BEGINNING IN JERUSALEM. Luke 24:47
2. The first time the message requiring REPENTANCE and BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF JESUS FOR REMISSION OF SIN was presented in Jerusalem. (Acts 2:38) Peter stated the message was for EVERYONE.
3. The same message was carried to and acted upon by Samaritans and later to the Gentiles.
4. Especially significant, as I believe you are referencing from Acts 19 is the 12 Ephesians having already submitted to John's water baptism had to submit to being rebaptized in water again. Why? The individuals baptized by John had no idea, nor did he, what the future held. Baptism in the name of Jesus for remission of sin is commanded of those who believe in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. There are those who reject the idea that baptism in the name Jesus is water baptism. However scripture reveals it is; specifically Acts 10 where Peter says; "Can any forbid WATER that these should not the baptized... And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:47-48)

well wansvic, in our many exchanges you have proven it is denominational having identified yourself as oneness. people who are not familiar with you really should do a search and read some of the outrageous comments you have made in the past such as people need to be re-baptized if they have not been baptized in Jesus name only. That is just the icing on the error cake.

Exactly. People believing that water regeneration is biblical are actually those who are putting the heavy yoke or trying to do that on people's necks.

If you actually know and believe you are free in Christ, then how are these religious people going to control you?

what was Peter actually saying here

Acts 2:
38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

You may want to argue his opinions/beliefs about other topics, but on this topic, he is being nothing but Biblical.
If someone says the sky is blue, does it matter what he thinks about other topics?
Argue the message, not the messenger..... baptism by immersion is NOT denominational.... it is scriptural. Big difference.

OP: "Repent and be baptized every one of you"?

Seems to me that there are Three Different groups involved in this discussion?:

1) water baptism saves you...

2) water baptism is not necessary to save you, but it is necessary for obedience
3) A viable alternate Biblical option, Under God's Amazing Grace, today, Only:

which is not water? Precious and friendly discussers @Evmur & @hornetguy,
my summary for your consideration and / or approval/disapproval? :


(1) Prophecy / Covenants / Law for Israel:

water baptism was man's operation, Commanded by God
to John the baptizer, and then by Christ to:

►►► The Twelve apostles who Were Sent to {water} baptize! ◄◄◄

The two Main (of 12) baptisms =

A) water, For remission of sins/induction into Israeli "priesthood!":
(Matthew_3:5-6; Mark_1:4; Luke_3:3; John_1:31; Luke 7:29-30; Acts_10:37)
(Matthew_28:19; Mark_16:16; Acts_2:38, 22:16; Ezekiel_36:25)
+
This Is The Baptism That "Christ Performed" after ascending Into Heaven:

B) Baptism With The Holy Spirit, Poured Out By Christ, for
power, signs And wonders!
(Isaiah_44:3; Matthew_3:11; Mark_1:8, 16:17-18;
Luke_24:49; Acts_2:17-18, 38, 8:15-17, 11:16)

Thus, the lost sheep of the house of Israel were saved by "remission of sins"
( by water ), and then were "Baptized By Christ, With" The Holy Spirit.

God's Context Of: Prophecy / Covenants / Law

Q: Are these two "still Required" By God, for us, Today, Under Grace?
Bible Answer:

Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15) From “Things That Differ!” {online}:

(2) God's Other Context Of: Mystery/Grace! =

our "apostle to the Gentiles" for The Body Of Christ:

►►► Paul Was Not Sent to {water} baptize! Why Not?: ◄◄◄

Today: Only One Baptism = "By" The One Spirit = God's Operation,
Spiritually Identifying members In (The One Body Of) Christ!!
(Ephesians_4:5; Colossians_2:12; Galatians_3:27;
Romans_6:3-4; ►►► 1 Corinthians 12:13 KJB ◄◄◄)

Conclusion:

1) Today, UNbelievers who repent and have faith are Baptized "By" The One Holy
Spirit, with One Baptism Into The One Body Of Christ, Seated In The Heavenlies.

2) This viable alternate Biblical Option has Certainly Vanquished Satan's
[ 14-part denominational views of 'water' baptisms ] Confusion Into Oblivion!
- For me, anyway! - you?

Amen.

Full study is here: One Baptism!

He was just doing what Jesus commanded them all to do after they received the spirit at pentocost.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is what the book of acts is about what Jesus told them to do

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ( these three are one ) teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So as soon as they received the spirit like John said they would and Jesus said they would they began to preach the gospel and offer baptism for remission of sins in his name singular the name of Jesus our lord for remission of sins the same purpose John baptized for before Christ died

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. ( of all people all nations and creatures)

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38-41‬ ‭

It’s what they all did

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.

And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:35-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

sometimes it soecifically mentions water other times it doesn’t it doesn’t mean there are two different baptisms the apostles understood it better than we do they kept baptizing gentile and Jew in water for remission of sins there’s no reason for grace teschers to try to remove it and then say it’s an added work the lord said it plainly and all the apostles partook all the disciples before and after the cross

“And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:42-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

it’s the same for any believer jew or gentile we should get baptized because we learn what it means for us of simply better just because Jesus said to do it in his name anything we do in his name is significant to a believer whether baptism or communion which Paul also elaborates deeply about its meaning but if we just say “ baptism is a work it’s not grace “ “ communion is not what Paul says it is we don’t need to do anything we have “ grace “

a then we’re never going to believe right about any of those subjects we do that with baptism , communion , the law of Moses , repentance , righteousness we have to listen tonjesus and his apostles and what he was teaching them and they were teaching us like baptism is for the remission of sins in his name, it is an act of faith we do it because we hear Jesus promise pertaining to it

“whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved “ Jesus word is going to come to pass if we act upon it thats faith . If god told us he put a million dollars in the bank and we believed it driving to the bank and withdrawing the money is no part we should complain about or refuse to do claiming it’s no longer a gift if we have to accept it by his offer and act

getting baptized is something we do because of faith we heard what it means regarding remission of our sins in his name who died for our sins . If we refuse it it won’t mean anything and we’ll just move on if we hear and believe what the scriptures say about it it becomes faith and we will certainly act upon it and rejoice

That’s how faith works you hear what god said and the result he promises then you believe and act knowing it’s going to happen

It is to not only have some faith but to walk by faith to be like Peter and know if Jesus said it I can do it and then step out of the boat in obedience to his call even if we sink after some steps like Peter Jesus will save us and set us safely back in the boat

“And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come

And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:28-33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

to be a Christian is much like that trying to be like jesus we often fall very short because our faith isnt like his He is the source of faith when he speaks it is pure faith without doubt or corruption of any kind the same effective power that creates .

He will never just let us drown when we fail he will always reach down when we call out even if we lacked faith for a moment like Peter . We’re students while on earth and not teachers until someone later is called to be a teacher but student is the disciple of jesus always leeenkng and oressi d forward in practice and faith and verity and purity and repentance and hope and salvation in the end but the path is love thy fellow man as jesus has loved us all at our worst to his last breath

We are all of us in closer fellowship with some than others and I am careful about who I would minister with. I certainly want to know why somebody has not obeyed the Lord in the matter of baptism ....

I understand this view.

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Especially the reminder that Jesus told Peter to "Come" to Him. Peter had to step out of the boat (his comfort zone) and onto the water where Jesus waited for him. Wow, that first step is so, so necessary.

Yes brother if we look carefully at the Bible God has declared everything that’s happened before it happened even from the beginning

“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

creation

“but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even when it’s a warning like that it’s the same power in his word declared and irrevocable

“and all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭

As for the length of a day

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Or when men accomplish miraculous things it’s still the same power of faith working through a man that hears and obeys the word

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭10:21-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God always declares the power of faith first then men hear it and believe and act by that belief

Its no different here same word

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

arhats the same as when god told Moses stretch forth thy hand and there shall be ……we’re being told hear and believe the gospel and get baptized in his name and you shall be saved

It’s his word that is why Peter before he stepped out asked Jesus “ if it’s you call me to come “ Peter understood who Jesus is and his effectual power through his word while Peter was focused on Jesus command he walked , when he noticed the waves and wind and the reality of the situation he began to sink but immediately he cries out “ lord save me “ and he is saved and taught more after he’s safe . Peters journey wasn’t over he had just began to walk even though he fell like a child trying to walk
Daddy doesn’t kick us down the stairs when we fail he lifts us on his arms and whispers better for next time

if we examine scripture god always declares by his word what will later come to pass it’s because his word is creating exactly what he says it is creation and cannot be avoided even if we deny his word it’s the same word that will judge us in the end this is why the hyoergrace doctrines are so damaging thier core is to provide reasoning why nothing the lord declared applies to his offer of salvstion

when it actually is salvation

Another thought: It is I, don't allow all the noise (negativity regarding water baptism) to distract from what I've told you to do, "Come. I await you here on the water.

Amen it’s a principle from the beginning Adam and Eve let the noise remove gods word and promise it’s the same regarding any subject

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2:16-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Everything is clear nothing is mysterious but then the questions and noise and alternative comes along in order to remove that true word to Adam

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?( he questions Gods clear word )

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die he offers an alternative belief about eating the fruit ) for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”( even has an explaination rooted somehat in a truth but he also declared god lied you won’t die like he said it’s actually good for you )
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:1, 4-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Baptism is the same the Bible is really clear what it is , why we do it , the promise it holds in his name …..but whenever people hear it the enemy goes to work with the same strategy he’s always used 1 wuestion if the word is actually even there 2 explain that it’s not true in a subtle way 3 offer an alternative explaination and path other than what God has set before all mankind

satan is still speaking in the world the same ways it’s why simple basic things like baptism , communion with the body and blood of the lord , repentance ect always become a huge dividing point between chrirtians that both believe in the name and gospel of Jesus Christ but because we won’t listen to what he said in that gospel we always have to try to figure out our own understanding but we’re meant to hear and accept and believe and live his understanding which he gave us in the gospel before he sent it to us all

This part is like a compass for true doctrine whether it’s baptism , communion , repentance and obedience , sin and righteousness , our identity as a creature and children of God who god really is ect it’s always based on the gospel in every situation

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The other part of baptism is we have to hear about it in the Bible first . Remission of sins is a key that will drive a believer to baptism by faith because they heard and believe the gospel. But until we start hearing what’s really there about it no one rally grasps what it even is for or how ot applies or why we do it . It’s there written down but it doesn’t always sink in to each person the same way

I’ve never looked at baotism for remission as a “ requirement “ for salvstion but a promise from Jesus Christ of salvation according to faith and it seems anyone who hears the things he and the apostles taught about baptism my own belief is they would also hear the promise regarding belief of the gospel of Jesus Christ and baptism into his name for remission of sins

Its just him telling us about salvation and then it’s whether we’re willing to hear and act upon it if we believe it we will but not if we never hear it like the Bible presents it

This is why false doctrines like hypergrace that insist any action you need to take is not part of it . This then removes all Jesus taught his followers to do and all his warnings about what not to do even the basic things like believing the word about baptism for remission and acting upon it . This becomes a controversial thing even though nothing in the Bible ever speaks of baptism as not needed , irrelevant , ritualistic , and everything it says about baptism makes it an important and very basic simple part of our faith meant to be heard and believed and acted upon like faith is always

when we remove everything else with a verse like this

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

air removes the meaning of the word grace and faith and just tries to make everything Jesus said is about salvstion irrelevant

its repeating genesis three

….did god really say you need to hear and believe the gospel get baptized for remission of sins and then promise you salvstion ? You believe he died and rose isnt that enough already ? Why do you need to get dunked in water that’s silly isn’t it ?? Jesus already died for your sins you’re already saved why do you need to hear and believe his word and follow where he guides us to go ? That other verse says you’re saved not of anything you could ever do or hear but just because you’re chosen and saved already by grace ….what Jesus said is for other people old testsment folk not the church “
There’s always another word coming when we hear what Jesus said in the gospel it’s the same guy trying to steal the word we heard of the lord

“When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

so when we hear “ baptism in Jesus name for remission of sins “

that’s clear and understandable so then one needs to raise questions , then offer other thoughts about the same thing made clear , then offer other paths and explainations of why that’s what false doctrine is that seeks to remove the things established forever by Jesus words

Jesus told us how to be born again and get remission of sin in John 3

once again, show me the word baptize..

what did he actually say

and peter said, repent (2nd person plural) and let every one of you be baptised (3rd person singular) for (because of) the remission of sin. and you (those who repented) will recieve the gift of the spirit.

and those who believed (repented) were baptized

They were baptised AFTER they recieved the spirit based on remission of sin through the cross.

Charles Durning would be proud.....
That's quite a little side-step you're dancin' there....

you seem to be thinking of πρός (pros) here which can mean "because of"
eg.
Mark 10:5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

or perhaps γὰρ (gar) which can mean "because"



"for" in Acts 2:38 is εἰς (eis)
which indicates the"point reached or entered, of place, time, purpose, result "
not cause, of something

eg. Matthew 5:13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

more examples (no "because" or "because of" translations)
same English word sometimes, but different concepts

not to mention "repent and be baptized" is a logical conjunction (ctrl F "conjunction -")
from the kai (and)

In addition to εἰς (eis) here suggesting that they actually did have sin then
as in "resulting in the remission of your sins"

in what way is Peter implying they were not already (in bold)
Acts 2:40 With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.”