Repentance is essentially changing Teams. We were playing for one side and have decided to start playing for the one we were created to be a part of. It feels so right! When we choose Jesus Christ by repenting, we're selecting the right team. Repentance does not mean you'll never make another mistake, because you will. Repentance is promising, if I do make a mistake, I'll get back up and keep fighting for the kingdom of Jesus Christ. This is my team! 1 John 1:9. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. Others scriptures: Mat 4:17, Mar 1:15, Mar 6:12, Luke 5:32, Act 2:38, Act 3:19
The action of being baptized removes the debt that our sin left us responsible for paying. When we repented of our sins, Jesus forgave and accepted us onto His team; however, there was still an unpaid bill on our account - death. Jesus died so He could take authority over death and stop any collection attempt for those living under His protection. When we are submerged in water, we take on the death of Jesus Christ by saying His Name with Faith. We are dying to the old Kingdom we were a part of and being born into the Kingdom and protection of Jesus Christ. It was only Jesus who died for us. That is why it is only the name of Jesus we call upon when we are baptized. The debt of your sins have been paid in full! Romans 6:3 NLT "Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the father, now we also may live new lives." Other Scriptures: John 3:1-8, Acts 8:34-39, Acts 10:44-48
The action of receiving the Holy Spirit is our human spirit connecting to and being grafted into the family of Jesus Christ. The act of receiving the Holy Spirit is to provide assurance that God will be with you and to confirm your faith. Acts 2:3-4 NLT "Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability."
