N.O.W. - I think your analaog is amazing. I myself am a three-stepper of sorts, having been OP all my life, until recently. I remember many times telling someone praying at the altar that the HG was a gift and all they needed to do was receive it, but meanwhile, asking them if they had repented... and so on...
I need to chew on this awhile and think about it. I'm sure there is a better way of helping someone how to receive the HG than making demands that they live up to a certain standard before receiving it! Although Peter did make certain stipulations in
Acts 2:38 - repent, be baptized and then "Ye shall" receive the GIFT of the HG. So repentance, and baptism are part of the process, that can't be denied. As for the gift part, that is up to God, as He is the one imparting HIS spirit to live in us. I do believe that we can snot, cry, jump, run,scream, shout, dance all to no avail. It is still a gift from God, and given whenever HE imparts it to us. I do believe repentance is part of the process, and baptism too. But the giving of the Spirit is something no man can give, teach, or impart.
Do you believe the spirit of God, or the HG, can be given to a person without repentance? Just wondering.
As a side note, I am not of the inclination any longer that one must "speak in tongues" as complete evidence of God's indwelling spirit. However, I do believe, it is an empowering gift given to us more as a prayer language, and to avail us in intercession while praying.
The true mark of the spirit indwelling one's life must be evident in the fruit they are producing, and not just the "tongues".
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