Bible Question:
Greetings Disciplerami! I asked before my friend, how could Cornelius be unsaved at Acts 10:45? According to your understanding of Acts 2:38, both repentance and baptism must be obyed in order to receive the 'Gift of the Holy Spirit'. Yet, Acts 10:45 says that they had received the 'Gift of the Holy Spirit' prior to being baptized. The 'gift of the Holy Spirit' cannot be received by an unbeliever. By the way, how does Acts 11:14 demonstrate that they were not saved at Acts 10:45. Speaking about what happened in the past, Cornelius was told that Peter would bring him and his family the message of salvation. Yet, Acts 11:15 totally agrees with the account in Acts 10. When they heard the message of Peter, they repented and received the 'Gift of the Holy Spirit' just as Acts 2:38 promised. Finally my friend, it is okay to disagree with individuals, but your last line seems over the top and unloving. Each of us must be an example to everyone else on the forum and make sure that our conversations are seasoned with grace. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
Bible Answer: Dear Tim, Most people on this forum suggest that salvation precedes any work and that works only follow. However, Cornelius was praying and doing good deeds before Acts 10:45. My point, as you must know, was that salvation couldn't have come before Peter started preaching the word of God (unless we want to start contradicting the inspired writer). But he definitely showed he was spiritually discerning before his salvation. I was pointing this to those like Joe! who say spiritually dead means you can't spiritually discern. He's wrong because we have Cornelius example. About the last line in my previous post. Searcher56 just got through telling me "I am wrong in my thought." He attacked a made up argument -- I know of no one to suggest it -- that an unbeliever can praise God. Imagining the conversation: UNBELIEVER: "Hey God, I don't even believe in you, couldn't even tell you why I'm talking to you, but you are awesome and mighty and true!" I don't think anyone has suggested such a scenario. So for Searcher to imply that I have, then tell me that I'm wrong in my thinking, is silly and wrong. I don't mean to be unloving, but he needs to get it right. By the way, does Searcher56 have the power to remove a thread from the main page? Good day, Disciplerami |