Quote:
Originally Posted by Antipas
It is my understanding that when one receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit they are regenerated ( John 3:5-8; John 6:63; Titus 3:5). This means that new life has been spiritually imparted to their spirit (born of spirit). Of course, in order to receive this regeneration, they had to be previously justified by faith as a part of their repentance.
With the above in mind we can say that according to the Bible (not feelings) anyone who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit has experienced the biblical realities of both justification and regeneration.
According to Scripture, what soteriological reality is experienced in water baptism? Most will say "the remission of sins". But that was the result of one who has obeyed the command to "Repent, and be baptized..." The operative action, in "Repent, and be baptized", being repentance. Does baptism serve any other function beyond serving as an indication of one's repentance through obedience? |
I think you answered your own question with the phrase "the remission of sins". Other than being identified with Christ in his death and burial through baptism among other "functions" of baptism. I think you gave the greatest function of baptism and that is simply the remission of sins.
Remission of sins is the greatest soteriological reality in my opinion, keep the understanding simple and the simple will understand.
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