Forgiveness prior to baptism

[ChristopherHall]

I think there may be confusion regarding this issue because of a neglect for specific doctrines that are taught in Scripture. Here's the break down as I understand it:

Justification: When one repents they are justified by faith before God based upon the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Being justified they can now come forward and receive Regeneration and Adoption.

Regeneration: Once one has repented of sins and has been justified before God they may now receive the Holy Ghost which begins the spiritual process known as regeneration. The believer's spirit is now given new life through the Power of the Holy Ghost.

Adoption: This takes place when the believer is baptized in Jesus name. By taking upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ through baptism they now become children of God. Baptism can be likened unto a covenantal step of obedience such as circumcision.

Sanctification: This is a life long process of perfecting holiness that begins at repentance and ends when the Lord calls the believer home.

The question has consistantly argued regarding at what point are sins remitted...when one repents or when one is baptized? The truth is both. One's sins cannot be remitted until they have both repented and been baptized. The entire process (repentance, water baptism, and infilling of the Holy Ghost) is interconnected and is vitally necessary for salvation.

To be saved one must:

Repent (be justified), be water baptized in Jesus name (adopted), receive the Holy Ghost (be regenerated), and live a life of holiness Christian disciplines (be sanctified).

All are absolutely essential.