836.htm

836.

RECEIVING HOLY SPIRIT FOR SANCTIFICATION
BEFORE OR AFTER WATER BAPTISM?

In his letter to baptized spiritual sons of God, Paul wrote: "Pursue peace with all people, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord". (Heb 12:14). But while water baptism is the beginning of a loving and progressive process of spirit cleansing by God, one is not immediately sanctified by it. Otherwise, we would not be in need of further sanctification. Hebrews 12:6 says: "…for whom Jehovah loves He disciplines; in fact He scourges (chastises) every one whom He receives as a son." This chastisement is for the sanctification of His sons that they may finally be declared righteous by Him. (Heb 12:7,8). To those who do not "give out" in their spirit when corrected by Him, corrective discipline from Jehovah by Holy Spirit is the means by which they have His righteousness imputed ⁽¹⁾ to them. (Job 33:14-24. Rom 8:33).

The forgiveness of one's past sins through water baptism does not in itself give one a righteous disposition. And one's request to God for a good conscience (through baptism) does not immediately wash away a bad conscience. But having worked out the "will of the nations" (debauchery) and ceased running in this same course, baptism symbolizes one's request to God that through The Christ He may progressively direct one's life in such a way as to attain a good conscience. (1 Peter 3:21 to 4:4).

CORNELIUS.
Cornelius was a Gentile believer in the "good news" of The Christ, and like many of his friends and relatives was baptized in water after receiving Holy Spirit. (Acts 10:1-48). After receiving a corrective vision from God, the apostle Peter said: "For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears Him and works righteousness is acceptable to Him." (Acts 10:34,35). As Peter, a Jew, was sent for to baptize them in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Cornelius and those assembled having first received Holy Spirit), signifies that with reference to the Gentiles Jehovah intended to show by Holy Spirit the same impartiality, ⁽²⁾ and in this order, until finally anointing the last of His spiritual sons. (Acts 10:47,48). Imparting Holy Spirit to those producing its "fruits" (its Kingdom disposition).

Those not anointed with Holy Spirit but who from their hearts decide to dedicate themselves to God through Christ to do His Will, are 'buried' out of sight during water baptism to symbolize their death as to past sins and walking thereafter in a newness of life. (Rom 6:1-6). Furthermore, being declared righteous (justified ⁽³⁾) by God in accordance with Romans 8:33 is only acquired by those who have been trained by His discipline. (Heb 12:11). Attaining righteousness through the disciplinary training of Jehovah does at times seem grievous. But being led by the Spirit of God, and being disciplined by Him, is so that we may finally partake of His holiness. That is why under inspiration from God, Paul wrote: "Who will file accusation against God's chosen ones? God is the One who declares them righteous." (Rom 8:33). It means that those who file accusation against chosen ones of God are judging God and His works in connection with His sons. (1 Peter 2:20-23).

(1)	IMPUTE:	Regard as belonging to; ascribe; attribute.
(2)	IMPARTIAL:	Without bias or favouritism.
(3)	JUSTIFY:	Show the justice or righteousness of. (See Greek Translation of Rom 8:33).

6/2/78.