Quote:
Originally Posted by mfblume
Unless you are proposing the error of universal reconciliation, the fact remains that although Jesus died on the cross to provide atonement for us it does not mean we do not have to repent. Do you believe we have to repent? Let's establish that first, and then we con proceed.
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Then argue with Paul
Fortunately, this attitude about salvation represents only about 20% of Pentecostalism globally.
All the concern about "greasy gracers" not being baptized, none experiencing the Spirit and living godly lives can be put to rest. Their personal witness is almost as potent as the biblical theology. It has caused many a 3-stepper to wonder.
Repentance is not the prerequisite. Let's let Paul speak for himself here. The Spirit draws, Christ is revealed, faith (at the heart level) is expressed -- regeneration has happened, justification has happened... in response, and ONLY as a sign (same as it was with circumcision - again read Paul's words in
Rom 4-5) we are baptized signifying the death and new life in following our Rabbi Jesus. The Spirit baptism (Promise of the Father) is promised, and is therefore available and accessible to all believers. But make no mistake, all believers, upon faith have the indwelled presence of God.
We seek to compartmentalize it all, but the plan of salvation has never changed since the beginning, it is BY FAITH. That's what God accounts/reckons as righteousness. He loved us while we were still sinners. The response to be baptized is because one already trusts God. If not, they are just getting wet anyway. And to the Jew, they are just getting trimmed! That's not your salvation! Paul was emphatic about this. This is the fault of the Jews as well! Always looking for a sign so they could control it all. Wanting to take the credit. "I got baptized, I repented" as if that merited salvation.
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