Soteriological Chronology

[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://Gill Bible Commentary for Acts 2

NC

 

[B-A-C]

While it's true forgiveness of sins comes from Jesus and the blood of Christ. ( Matt 9:6; Mark 2:10; Luke 5:24; )
It's also true that only those who repent are forgiven.

Heb 10:26; For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Acts 3:19; "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;
Acts 8:22; "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.

Luke 24:46; and He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day,
Luke 24:47; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

Repentance alone without Jesus is works alone. Many would argue that without Jesus we unwilling and unable to repent.

2 Cor 7:10; For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
2 Pet 3:9; The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Matt 4:17; From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

The order which things happen is probably important, but it's more important that ALL the parts do happen.
I would go so far as to say without repentance, it's impossible to know Jesus.

Matt 7:21; "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.

 

[NetChaplain]

While it's true forgiveness of sins comes from Jesus and the blood of Christ. ( Matt 9:6; Mark 2:10; Luke 5:24; )
It's also true that only those who repent are forgiven.

Hi BAC - Amen, but the repentance, along with faith are evidences of salvation and not causal. One believes because grace has been given to believe, and repentance is the result of that which God reveals to us in our faith concerning the difference between the old and new life of the believer.

Many would argue that without Jesus we are unwilling and unable to repent.

Yes, and its because of attempting to attribute that some of the producing of salvation goes to self instead of realizing all we can do is receive, not produce. It must be realized that repentance is the evidence of something God has worked in the life of a believer, which is the result of regeneration (rebirth).

 

[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!