Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Identifying the born again moment | NT general Archive 1 | Dalprad | 57372 | ||
The minister in my church closes each service with an invitation to believe in Christ. He is very adamant about being able to identify the moment you were born again. In fact on the membership sheet, there is a place where you are to put the month year of your conversion. Although I remember the general period in my life where I began to shift my trust from myself to Christ, I do not have a memorable defining moment that I can attest to. Can someone comment on this dilemma? | ||||||
2 | Identifying the born again moment | NT general Archive 1 | disciplerami | 77852 | ||
Dear Dalprad, We know that Cornelius couldn't have been saved before he heard Peter's preaching. Acts 11:14 confirms as much: "and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household." When the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and household, Peter had only began his preaching: "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning." So the things Cornelius did prior to that were done while in an unsaved condition. He was: "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually" (Acts 10:2) Obviously, prior to the moment of salvation, Cornelius was spiritually discerning. It was this trait in him that got God's attention: "Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God" (Acts 10:4) The moment of salvation is when God says it is. Read the following: Galatians 3:26,27 Colossians 2:12 1 Peter 3:21 Acts 22:16 Acts 2:38 Mark 16:16 God bless you, Disciplerami |
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3 | Identifying the born again moment | NT general Archive 1 | Morant61 | 77856 | ||
Greetings Disciplerami! I pray that you and your family are doing well my friend! I wanted to respond to your position that Acts 10:45 is referring to something which happened prior to salvation. Doesn't your own interpretation of Acts 2:38 rule this out? Allow me to repost what I just posted to Sniper so that you might know what I mean. ********************************************** I believe that Acts 10:45 is a very important verse as it pertains to understanding Acts 2:38. If I understand your position correctly, Acts 2:38 gives two commands which must be obyed, followed by two results of that obedience. One must: Repent and be baptized, Then they will receive: Forgiveness of sins and the Gift of the Holy Spirit. I have argued in the past, based on the grammar, that this position cannot be accurate. But, Acts 10:45 provides further confirmation of this fact. In Acts 10:45, prior to being baptized, the Gift of the Holy Spirit was received. Afterwards, they were baptized in recognition of their salvation. Now, I have read many sites which attempt to defend the baptismal regeneration postition and they invariably try to argue that this was some sort of special circumstance. However, this can't be. If your position is correct, then according to Acts 2:38, one cannot receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit unless one repents AND is baptized. So, how did those in Acts 10:45 receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit without being baptized? *********************************************** Let me know what you think my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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4 | Identifying the born again moment | NT general Archive 1 | disciplerami | 77862 | ||
Hi Tim, The question was about the moment of salvation. A lot of people argue that salvation happens first and belief, repentance, confession and baptism follow. This can't be the case since the angel indicated salvation followed hearing the words from Peter. About your points on Acts 2 and 10, pertaining to the Holy Spirit. What is promised in Acts 2 is the indwelling Spirit; the sanctified vessel, cleansed by the blood of Christ, becomes the dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Eph 2). What happened in Acts 10 is quite different. Peter said, 'who can refuse them baptism' after seeing the Holy Spirit poured out on them as it did on the Apostles in the beginning (Acts 11:15). Until that moment, the Jewish brethren who accompanied Peter had some misgivings as to whether they should be with Gentiles. This was evidently the prevailing opinion among the Christians back in Jerusalem as well. "The Spirit told me to go with them without misgivings. These six brethren also went with me and we entered the man's house" (Acts 11:12). After the Holy Spirit was poured out, the subject of baptism came up. Peter concluded that Cornelius needed to be baptized, along with the rest of his household. How different is this from modern practice! What happened in Cornelius' home with the Holy Spirit had no more sanctifying significance than did the angel who spoke through a donkey: it just got somebody's attention. God bless, Disciplerami |
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5 | Identifying the born again moment | NT general Archive 1 | Morant61 | 77882 | ||
Greetings Disciplerami! Nice try my friend, but I would have to disagree. The phrase used in Acts 2:38 and in Acts 10:45 is exactly the same, both refer to the 'Gift of the Holy Spirit'. There isn't any indication whatsoever that two different 'gifts' are being discussed. And, Acts 2:38, according to your interpretation, makes it clear that this 'gift' cannot be received unless one repents and is baptized. So, something is wrong. I suggest it is your interpretation of Acts 2:38 of course! :-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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