The most important conclusion that can be drawn from Acts 19:1-2 regarding our doctrine is that repentance and believing are not synonymous with being filled with the Holy Ghost. 1. They hadn't even heard that there was a Holy Ghost--even though they had repented and were believers, and 2. In spite of the fact that they had repented and believed, Paul prayed for them and the Holy Ghost they hadn't yet heard of or experienced "came on them" and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. It was definitely a separate experience from repentance and believing.
This is why some believe that there is a separation/difference between salvation at repentance and believing and a later empowering of the the Holy Ghost, IE tongues as an external manifistation.
One could also read this as they hadn't heard of the empowerment of being filled with the Holy Ghost. Paul never stated they weren't saved. He did however pray for them that they too could receive a greater blessing that had been experienced by others.
Most OPs cannot separate tongues from salvation, or water from salvation. If you separate tongues from salvation, it's not so hard to see how one could be saved long before they ever speak in tongues. Acts traces the spread of the church and outpouring of the Holy Ghost. The experience of tongues was to prove to the apostles that God was not a respector of persons and that all could be saved under this new covenant.
On a separate note... we love to throw out verses that connect baptism to salvation. How many more verses connect believing/faith to salvation or having life? Now i expect people to counter this with James ch 2 to bolster the claim that faith and repentance alone cannot bring salvation.
Yes, they were disciples, i.e., "learners"; "pupils" as the early church was being established.
We don't exclude anyone in our congregation knowing they have not received the Holy Ghost, but we certainly don't teach that it is not necessary for salvation and only an empowerment. It is both as you cannot dismiss Romans 8:9. And as there is no supportive scripture that the Holy Ghost is evidenced by anything other than speaking in tongues (Acts 2:33), I take Romans 8:9 very seriously, as seriously as I do repentance and baptism.
And finding certain disciples - Certain persons who had been baptized into John’s baptism, and who had embraced John’s doctrine that the Messiah was soon to appear, Acts . Act_19:3-4. It is very clear that they had not yet heard that he had come, or that the Holy Spirit was given. They were evidently in the same situation as Apollos. See the notes on Act_18:25. - Barnes
finding certain disciples — in the same stage of Christian knowledge as Apollos at first, newly arrived, probably, and having had no communication as yet with the church at Ephesus. - JFB
You are laughing because you think that simply by calling someone a Disciple they are saved? We are not saved until the end.
I John 2:24-27 speaks of Him that abides in us, the anointing that abides in us must remain as with it, it is the promise He has given which gives us eternal life.
We know it (the Holy Spirit of promise) as the "earnest of our inheritance". Ephesians 1:13-14
You are laughing because you think that simply by calling someone a Disciple they are saved? We are not saved until the end.
I John 2:24-27 speaks of Him that abides in us, the anointing that abides in us must remain as with it, it is the promise He has given which gives us eternal life.
We know it (the Holy Spirit of promise) as the "earnest of our inheritance". Ephesians 1:13-14
So, you're not saved?
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
I believe that if God came back today I am saved. But, will I be in 10 years? I hope so, but what if I become weary in well doing? I have been there before and God helped me through it. I know what it feels like to think you don't care anymore. And I know what all is involved in getting back on your feet again. You sure don't forget that process in a hurry.
We are instructed to remain "diligent/make an effort" (2 Peter 3:14)
Great understanding, explanation, and defense of the faith Pressing-On! My soul is encouraged, may God bless you and your family in these last days.
__________________ Matthew 24:13-14 "But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."
This is why some believe that there is a separation/difference between salvation at repentance and believing and a later empowering of the the Holy Ghost, IE tongues as an external manifistation.
I can show you where Cornelius was devout, prayed always, fasted, was charitable, saw an angel in a vision who knew and spoke his name, and still was not saved. Acts 11:14-17. The only difference between the early verses of Acts 10 and the later verses of Acts 10 was Cornelius received the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues and was baptized in Jesus name.
Quote:
Originally Posted by obriencp
One could also read this as they hadn't heard of the empowerment of being filled with the Holy Ghost. Paul never stated they weren't saved. He did however pray for them that they too could receive a greater blessing that had been experienced by others.
Neither did he say they were saved. He knew that if they had believed on Him as the scripture hath said, out of their bellies SHALL flow rivers of living water, this was spoken of the Spirit. St John 7:38-39. In other words, if they believed as the scripture teaches they should have received the Holy Ghost, which was indeed his question.
Quote:
Originally Posted by obriencp
Most OPs cannot separate tongues from salvation, or water from salvation. If you separate tongues from salvation, it's not so hard to see how one could be saved long before they ever speak in tongues. Acts traces the spread of the church and outpouring of the Holy Ghost. The experience of tongues was to prove to the apostles that God was not a respector of persons and that all could be saved under this new covenant.
On a separate note... we love to throw out verses that connect baptism to salvation. How many more verses connect believing/faith to salvation or having life? Now i expect people to counter this with James ch 2 to bolster the claim that faith and repentance alone cannot bring salvation.
The facts are, that Bible believing or Bible faith is not mere acknowledgment or assent, faith produces action. Believeth and is baptized Mark 16:16, cometh to God must believe that he is and is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY SEEK Him Heb 11:6, believing is obedience Rom 10:17, faith without works is dead being alone, as the body without the spirit is dead faith without works is dead also, James 2.
It's so simple. A direct question was asked in the bible and a direct answer was given.
Act 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Now folks want to complicate it by you have to blah blah blah and then you have to blah blah blah blah and then you might be saved.
What must I do to be saved? (See answer above) And forget about a lot of jumping through the hoops of the hundreds of salvation plans out there.