Forgiveness may occur even before one has admitted to sin, or repented.
The Adulterous woman that was cast at Jesus' feet. "Neither do I condemn thee"
Those that crucified Jesus. "Father, forgive them"
Was Stephens prayer granted? "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge."
Interesting thought. I would say the woman cast at the feet of Jesus was repentant (or in the process) and God could see her heart. Repentance does not require verbal admission though it often is associated.
The point in Stephens prayer was for Stephen. Whether it truely was "counted" against the murderers was a moot point really, because only unregenerate men plot and plan murder.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
Interesting thought. I would say the woman cast at the feet of Jesus was repentant (or in the process) and God could see her heart. Repentance does not require verbal admission though it often is associated.
Think she would have repented if she hadn't been caught?
Quote:
The point in Stephens prayer was for Stephen. Whether it truely was "counted" against them was a moot point really, because only unregenerate men plot and plan murder.
Was Stephen more forgiving than God?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Think she would have repented if she hadn't been caught?
Was Stephen more forgiving than God?
Perhaps not. But that too is a moot issue. God uses conditions and circumstance all the time.
It was God Himself enabling Stephen through the Holy Spirit, to realize the temporal is of less value than eternal life.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
Perhaps not. But that too is a moot issue. God uses conditions and circumstance all the time.
OK.
Quote:
It was God Himself enabling Stephen through the Holy Spirit, to realize the temporal is of less value than eternal life.
So, without that divine enabling, Stephen would not have prayed what he did? But what does this have to do with what he prayed -- "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge"? Since he got this understanding from the Spirit, that temporal life is less valuable than eternal life, did he figure those guys were doing him a favor? But he did call it a sin.
Anyway, where did you get this information about a revelation for Stephen?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
There was a statement made on another thread concerning when forgiveness takes place. So I thought I'd post the statement here and see the response.
Here's the statement that was made:
"Forgiveness does not take place at repentance. It happens at baptism:
Agree or disagree?
I disagree.
My opinion is that forgiveness/remission happens at repentance and that water baptism follows for/because of the remission/forgiveness of sins.
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Sam also known as Jim Ellis
Apostolic in doctrine
Pentecostal in experience
Charismatic in practice
Non-denominational in affiliation
Inter-denominational in fellowship