Because of Adam's disobedience, all men are born in sin, and, no matter how good they may try to be, they must follow God's plan in order to be saved. Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born of water and of the Spirit. (John 3:5) On another occasion, Jesus said, "I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3)

God has always been very specific in His instructions. He made the plan of salvation very clear, which is to repent, be baptized in Jesus' name for remission of sins; and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Who preached repentance? John the Baptist preached it (Matthew 3:1,2); Jesus preached it (Matthew 4:17); Jesus commanded the Twelve to preach it (Luke 24:47); Jesus commanded the seventy to preach it (Luke 10:9); then both Peter and Paul preached it (Acts 2:38 and Acts 20:21).

After our Lord gave Peter the keys to the kingdom, and Peter used his authority on the Day of Pentecost, the standing multitude asked an important question, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" The first thing Peter told them was, "Repent."

How do you repent? Tell God you are sorry for your sins. Ask Him to forgive you, and He is willing and just to forgive you of your sins. Turn away from sins. The scripture says that godly sorrow worketh repentance. (2 Corinthians 7:10) If you are really sorry and turn away from sin, resolving never to do those things again, you are ready for baptism, which is the second step in the plan of salvation.