Christianity Oasis Forum

[Netchaplain]

"Repent, and be baptized" (Acts 2:38). Repentance, then baptism; and before repentance is the grace of regeneration, which is "the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" (Rom 2:4).

When were those who Peter were speaking to saved? When "they that gladly received his word" (v 41). When did they receive his word? When "they were pricked in their heart" (v 37).

Thus, after "they that gladly received his word" (saved), they were then baptized (in water), and following this, they received the gift of Holy Spirit. The "gift of the Holy Spirit" in this passage is not Himself, for He was in them when they believed (received his word-- as Jhn 1:12). But "the gift" from the Holy Spirit was the gift of which "they were all amazed and marveled" (v 7). They repented and were baptized "because of the remission of sins."

Soteriology is clearest when differentiating between producing salvation (the Blood--cause) and receiving it (effect).

"For the remission of sins; not that forgiveness of sin could be procured either by repentance, or by baptism; for this is only obtained by the blood of Christ."
Gill--http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/acts/gill/acts2.htm

NC

[Netchaplain]

My point to make is merely the truth that the provision of salvation can only be attributed to Christ, for there is much confusion differentiating between producing salvation and receiving it, which can result in depending on self (even if nominally is error) instead of Christ.

This misunderstanding does not inhibit ones salvation from Christ even if this is not understood, because it's just a misunderstanding, which detracts not from the actuality of one's faith, but it does keep one's faith weak, for trusting in anything or anyone other than the Lord Jesus results in being "weak in the faith," because of not fully trusting in Christ but rather also self.

Everything other than producing salvation (Jesus) involves receiving it, and the growth and retaining of it depends on the same source which provides it (Jesus). Thus faith, repentance, works, etc. are all effects of "God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phl 2:13). It is God “working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ” (Heb 13:21).

If one is not living a repentant life, it reveals the absence of faith, which is the result of the absence of God’s work (rebirth) within!