Hebrews 5:9,
Since Jesus was made perfect through suffering, and since He learned obedience through that suffering, He now has the sovereign divine right to be the author of eternal salvation to all that OBEY HIM. Seems to me that if one cannot obey Jesus Christ, who commanded water baptism (
Matthew 28:18-20), then one cannot hope to have Him as the author of their eternal salvation.
Additionally, the Holy Spirit, being a promise of the Father, seems to only be promised based on one fact alone: obedience.
Acts 5:29-32,
I have seen many repent and not receive the Holy Spirit by faith until after they were immersed in the name of Jesus Christ. One factor being this:
They were demonically oppressed/possessed. It was only after immersion in the name of Jesus Christ that the oppressing/possessing demon fled/vacated. Immediately afterward (I can think of four different people I personally know) they received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance.
Mark 16:15-17 might indicate this order, as follows:
1.) Believe and be baptized...
2.) In my name...
3.) Cast out devils...
4.) Speak in new tongues...
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