Subject: Identifying the born again moment |
Bible Note: 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 |