Page 249 - Bible Writers Theology Original

Soteriology - Saivab'on ♦ 233
• Stepping out of darkness into light (Isaiah 9:2; Acts 13:47; John 8:12; I
Peter 2:9; Isaiadi 60:1-2; Ephesians 5:8).
• Putting an end to the times of ignorance about God and His com
mandments (Acts 17:10-12,30; Ephesians 4:17-18, Acts3:17-19).
• Turning to God f^om idols to serve the living and true God (I
Thessalonians 1:9-10; Acts 13:48-49; I Corinthians 6:9-11; I Corinthians 12:2).
• Setting on the right "way" those who expect zealously the salvation
promised to the fathers, though it is not according to knowledge (Acts 9:1,11; Romsms 10:1-4).
Itconsistsoftwoelements:repentanceandfmth. Thelogicalorderinthe
experience of salvation is conversion by the message, and the application o faith in action, resulting in repentance, water baptism (washing, of regener ation, or adoption) in the saving Name of Jesus, and Holy Ghost baptisui (sanctification and justification).
Samctification is both an act and a process, for it is wntten. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the ® God in vain. (For he seuth, I have heard thee in a time accepted
day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accept behold,nowisthedayofsalvation)"(IICorinthians6:1-2;IsMah49:8). ine Bible declares, "Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith. To day if ye
his voice. Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the ®
temptationinthewilderness"(Hebrews3:7-8). Mansresponsemay er from God's way (Isaiah 55:8-9). This is why scripture appeals pereisten y for man to turn to God (Isaiah 31:6; 59:20; Hebrews 2:3; Ezekiel 33:11).
The key example and foundation of the Christian church that shows the
conversioningredientsisActs2*37-41. Thispatternisfollowedthroughout the book of Acts.
• TheSamaritans,uponhearingthefullmessage,wereconvincedand repented. TheywerethenbaptizedinJesus'Nameandfilledwiththe Holy Spirit (Acts 8:12-18).
• The Ethiopian eunuch heard the full message, was convinced, believed, and was baptized at the same moment to complete his sa vation (Acts 8:26-39).
• Saul, who is called Paul, heard the full message of salvation from Ananias, was convinced, repented, was baptized in the saving Name of Jesus Christ, was filled with the Holy Ghost at the same moment (Acts 9:1-19; 22:16).