When does the Holy Spirit enter a person's life? At that very moment of repentance and conversion, or after that person repents and after being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, as in Acts 2 v 38?
Matthew 28:19
ESV - 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
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I would say that the indwelling of a Christian by the Holy Spirit occurs at the same time that an individual repents by realizing that he is powerless to save himself through his own works, and by placing his complete hope of salvation and eternal life on faith in Christ's atoning death and resurrection. (In my opinion, the Holy Spirit's presence within a Christian is not contingent upon baptism, although an unbaptized Christian should avail himself of any opportunity to be baptized.)
The bible tells us plainly when we are given the seal of the Holy Spirit. First Corinthians 15:1-4 The gospel. That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, that He was buried and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. When we believe that gospel, that all our sin debt has been paid in full, and we can no longer be condemned, John 3:18, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30. Believing is receiving the free gift of eternal life. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 8:9 Without the Spirit of God there is no salvation. With the Spirit we have eternal life. Repentance for salvation is the Greek word metanoia. It means to change your mind from trusting in what we do to save us, to trusting in Jesus' finished work on the cross to save us. Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. It is irrevocable. It can not be changed back. IT is permanent. Once you believe you have eternal life and eternal life is forever. Second Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, the foundation of God is sure, having this SEAL, (the Holy Spirit) the Lord knoweth them that are His. And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. First John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doeth not commit sin, for HIS SEED, (the Holy Spirit) remaineth in him, and He, (the Holy Spirit) can not sin because He is born of God. But we still do. First John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the TRUTH is not in us. We still live in the flesh and the flesh is not saved nor can become perfect. Flesh and blood can not enter the kingdom because of sin. Only our soul/Spirit is saved. Born again, born of God when we believe. Hebrews 13:5 And be content with such things as ye have, for He hath said, I will never leave you or forsake you. The Holy Spirit can not leave us or forsake us. We can not be cast out. John 6:37, Jesus has never lost one. John 6:39. It is the seal of the Holy Spirit that guarantees us eternal life. Ephesians 1:14. Who is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of HIS GLORY. Even if we quit believing, He keeps us saved. Second Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, He abideth faithful, He can not deny Himself. The Holy Spirit that lives in all believers and has sealed us unto the day of redemption.
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