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NASB | Ephesians 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:13 In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God]. [John 7:39; Acts 2:33] |
Subject: Automatic Holy Spirit? |
Bible Note: Dear Joe! Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, I am afraid that what you ask is like asking to clarify our entire salvation experience in absolute, concrete terms. I don't think it is possible, though some are convinced that they have 'worked it all out.' You agree that they are not synonymous, but that they are both integral parts of a whole salvation experience, right? (Much like other mysteries of the Gospel, i.e. the Tri-Une God) At least, I believe that is a fair representation. Might I add to that 'whole' experience, Justification, Sanctification, Regeneration, Conversion, Repentance, Conviction, Final Judgment, Eternal Reward, and probably a few others I have either forgotten or don't know the correct dogmatic nomenclature. From the vantage of our God in heaven, these would speak of His plan for the salvation of the individual believer. Each of these concepts are Biblical representations of certain aspects of His entire work in our lives. Men have been divided about the 'timeline' of these events, combining them in different 'recipes' and 'formulae' into what often becomes the hallmark of their respective denominations or bent. In my sometimes humble (sometimes confusing?) opinion, a great deal of our quibbling is over the manner in which these 'pieces' fit into the whole. A major problem is that we are locked into an absolute 'time' system, and God is not. So, we are really concerned about synchronous and asynchronous events, while God is not. If I am awake (coffee is in my system, but not yet fully 'active' :-)) and making any sense, maybe the rest will come together. So, My point is that I do not see any 'empirical' evidence that men are regenerated and baptized in the Holy Spirit the moment that they respond to the quickening of the Holy Spirit to confess Christ as Lord and Savior. I find that to claim instantaneous 'whole work' does not fit in with the Biblical encouragement to 'work out your salvation in fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12) and 'seek after the Holy Spirit' (Luke 11:9-13). Again, vantage and time perception are the issues I am exploring. I pray this was lucid enough to explain my thoughts, even if you don't agree with them. :-) Have a great Christmas, my friend! Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |