Quote:
Originally Posted by Esaias
All the Greek speaking folks could never believe that, because "forgiveness" and "remission" are the same word in the Greek texts. Justification of sinners requires forgiveness or "remission" of their sins, which takes place in baptism.
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My problem with this angle is that I received the Holy Spirit prior to my water baptism (as did the Gentiles in
Acts 10). I think it becomes a soteriological train wreck because your interpretation of this would mean that I received the Holy Spirit while still an unforgiven sinner, alienated from God. And it implies that I would remain such even though I have the Holy Ghost, if I'm not water baptized.
This is problematic because the baptism of the Holy Spirit brings regeneration through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in one's being (
John 3:5-8;
Titus 3:5). It is through the baptism of the Holy Spirit that we are made one spirit with the Lord (
I Corinthians 6:17) and are made branches of the True Vine (
John 15:1-8). These are not spiritual realities that can be experienced by one who is unforgiven and still under condemnation and alienation from God on account of their sin.
Scripture indicates that justification comes by faith (
Romans 3:4;
Romans 5:1;
Ephesians 2:8;
James 2:23;
Galatians 15:6;
Acts 16:31;
John 3:36;
John 1:12;
Galatians 3:24).
As a result of all of this, I look at it like this. One is justified by faith upon repentance. This provides the pardon necessary to come forward and be water baptized in the name of Jesus. Once one is water baptized in the name of Jesus their record of wrongs is expunged, canceled, or forgiven. This justified state also allows one to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, even prior to water baptism in some cases.
Repentance unto justification (imputed righteousness).
Water baptism in the name of Jesus unto the remission of sins (actualized righteousness).
Holy Spirit unto regeneration (new nature).
Add all three together and one is born again of the water and the Spirit.
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