What is the evidence of salvation? At the beginning of the Church, it was the falling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:15-17). Because Peter compares the Pentecost with the incident of Cornelius, the falling of the Holy Spirit may be associated with speaking in tongue. God uses this supernatural external experience to authenticate a genuine salvation. (In fact, this is the purpose of all miracles (i.e. sign gifts). It is not for the sake of healing or benefit of ourselves, it is for the authentication of the message and the messengers.)
But what is the evidence of salvation for today? Does God still use sign gifts? No. John tells us the evidence of salvation is to obey God’s commands (1 John 2:3). Even though Apostle John experiences everything happening in Acts, he doesn’t use sign gift to authenticate salvation anymore and he knows sign gifts and mystical experience can be imitated (1 John 4:1-3). This is another proof that Acts is a transitional period as we can see the method of authenticating salvation has changed.
Mike
What a difference the apostles and brothers in Judea have made before and after the explanation of Peter (Acts 11:2 and 18). Peter points out the evidence that they have received the HS just as they are (Acts 11:15-16). That means they are baptized with the Holy Spirit just as they are (the Pentecost's experience is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus Acts 1:5). In other words, both the Jews and Gentiles are baptized by the same agent, i.e. HS (1 Cor 12:13) then they are "one." When the apostles and brothers in Judea heard this they are willing to change their mind. Are we willing to change our mind when we are confronted by the truth? We are one in the HS and we should do everything we could to preserve this body. Are you willing to do that?
Audrey
But what is the evidence of salvation for today? Does God still use sign gifts? No. John tells us the evidence of salvation is to obey God’s commands (1 John 2:3). Even though Apostle John experiences everything happening in Acts, he doesn’t use sign gift to authenticate salvation anymore and he knows sign gifts and mystical experience can be imitated (1 John 4:1-3). This is another proof that Acts is a transitional period as we can see the method of authenticating salvation has changed.
Mike
What a difference the apostles and brothers in Judea have made before and after the explanation of Peter (Acts 11:2 and 18). Peter points out the evidence that they have received the HS just as they are (Acts 11:15-16). That means they are baptized with the Holy Spirit just as they are (the Pentecost's experience is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus Acts 1:5). In other words, both the Jews and Gentiles are baptized by the same agent, i.e. HS (1 Cor 12:13) then they are "one." When the apostles and brothers in Judea heard this they are willing to change their mind. Are we willing to change our mind when we are confronted by the truth? We are one in the HS and we should do everything we could to preserve this body. Are you willing to do that?
Audrey
Comments