Baptism of Repentance

[tsth]

Now this is the meat of what my whole topic is about...........I think that we can/are able to receive the Word as children, much like what was spoken of in Acts 8, and then as adults, we should also come to a "baptism of repentance" like what John spoke of, or a recognizing that we have been walking in a life of sin, and no longer desire to do so, and need Jesus to turn us from that sinful lifestyle.

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.

Seems like 2 separate occasions to me? They received the Word, and had been baptized in the name of Jesus, but they had not received the Holy Spirit? Why not? And Simon the sorcerer, was told that he needed to "repent"!?

What do you think?

In His Love,

Suzanne

[other one]

I, too, received Jesus as my Savior at an early age. (5 years old)

[yomotalking]

Suzanne,

I too grew up in church and had many significant experiences in childhood.

But I don't pretend now that I understood much of it. I certainly don't believe that a 5 year-old has any business calling himself a "Christian".

It's adult decision that requires a measure of maturity to make it meaningful.

I don't agree with you.

I became a christian when I was five years old. I know that when I asked Jesus into my heart at that age,I was born again. Before I prayed, I knew there was an emptiness in my heart. When I prayed with my Mum I felt such a tremendous JOY in me, that I couldn't explain.

Iv'e called myself a Christian ever since, because I AM. I'm still only 13 so perhaps you would still say I shouldn't call myself one . All that's really important is that Jesus knows I am one. After all He was the one who said unless we come as a little child we cannot enter the kingdom !

[Orr v'emet]

Perhaps we should look at what Jesus said on that subject Steve...

I agree wholeheartedly. Jesus loves kids.

Or am I missing something?

Yeah Steve...you are missing something...like the rest of my post! This is the point I was trying to make...as summed up in this person's testimony....

I don't agree with you.

I became a christian when I was five years old. I know that when I asked Jesus into my heart at that age,I was born again. Before I prayed, I knew there was an emptiness in my heart. When I prayed with my Mum I felt such a tremendous JOY in me, that I couldn't explain.

Iv'e called myself a Christian ever since, because I AM. I'm still only 13 so perhaps you would still say I shouldn't call myself one . All that's really important is that Jesus knows I am one. After all He was the one who said unless we come as a little child we cannot enter the kingdom !

Let me also just say that I have been a christian since I was in college. I grew up in church, know about Jesus' sacrifice for me etc. I can honestly say that in the years since my "salvation experience" I have come to understand repentance more deeply and the cost of Christ's sacrifice for me on the cross more deeply. Does this mean I was unrepentant when I was in college...no. It just means that the closer you get to the Savior the more you realize how filthy you are in comparison to His glory. You also begin to see how often you fall short. Doesn't mean I was any less repentant before as in the case of a child. If you want to get in that discussion it could lead into OSAS...you know...what if a child never produces fruit in the years following a conversion experience etc. I don't really want to go there. Tis not the purpose of this thread and of little consequence to the discussion at hand.

[stevehut]

There are 5 year olds playing sex in this world today. I know of incidents where 5 year olds tried to push teachers down the stair cases at school.

Well I didn't ask about theories. I asked about you.

In any event, do you believe that these 5 year olds have the capacity to understand their sin and appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus?

[stevehut]

I don't agree with you. I became a christian when I was five years old.

You don't believe that people should understand what they're doing, when they "accept Jesus"?

According to Jesus in the Gospels, a Christian is a person who

Repents of his sins

Denies himself

Counts the cost of following Jesus

Makes other disciples

Refutes false doctrines

Did you do these things at age 5?

[stevehut]

Yeah Steve...you are missing something...like the rest of my post!

I read the whole thing. I still don't get it, sorry.

[Orr v'emet]

Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

[Orr v'emet]

Yeah Steve...you are missing something...like the rest of my post!

I read the whole thing. I still don't get it, sorry.

i'm truly not trying to be argumentative here Steve really...but do you honestly want to get it or are you so convinced of what you believe that there is no room for error on your part?

[Orr v'emet]

Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Tell me this Steve...if a five year old child came to you and said they wanted to accept Jesus in their heart, are you going to rebuke him/her like the disciples or point them to Jesus and bless them as Jesus did?