Hmmm...
If one can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit prior to the remission/forgiveness of sins, then we have a theological problem.
Clearly it is possible for
something to take place prior to water baptism.
I offer this possibility...
We read that Abraham was justified by faith alone...
Romans 4:1-3
1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
In
Romans 2, Paul had stated that a man is justified by faith apart from the Law. However, I want to draw attention to the reality of justification being by faith...
Romans 3:28
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Regarding believers Paul writes in
Romans 5...
Romans 5:1
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
I have long agonized over the fact that Apostolics do not have a systematic theology on salvation. Since we lack such a systematic theology, we're left with these questions always popping up and no sufficient answer to provide that is biblically grounded in the doctrines of grace.
Here, I turn my attention to the doctrine of
Justification. Justification is repeatedly stated to be the result of saving faith.
So I ask this...
Is it possible that one's faith and repentance, prior to baptism, allows one to become
Justified in the eyes of God, thereby opening up the possibility of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is being "born of spirit" (Regeneration)???
This would explain why it is possible for some to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit prior to water baptism. They are "Justified" by faith.
This is not to say that baptism isn't essential. It is to say that Justification begins at saving faith and repentance... and then continues throughout the salvation experience as one is water baptized (sins officially Remitted) and filled with the Holy Spirit (Regeneration)... or even if one is filled with the Holy Spirit first and is then water baptized afterwards.
What is transpiring when one is filled with the Spirit prior to water baptism is then: Justification, Regeneration, and Remittance of Sin. Whereas typically the process would have been Justification, Remittance of Sin, and then Regeneration. This would mean that Justification allows one to attain both Regeneration and the Remittance of Sin in any order.
Thoughts???
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