greetings Fran
i find what you said here mentally stimulating, in that it caused me to reflect of what Jesus said, He didn't instruct the 12 to go out and get people saved, but rather told them to "go ye forth and make disciples".. if we become disciples of Christ being baptized in the Holy Ghost we can walk after the Spirit of the law... the church concentrates on getting people saved while still in there sins, in order to enhance nickels, numbers, and noses, as one brother said........the focus should be first the baptism of repentance, and making disciples, then salvation takes care of itself..
Evening willybob
I am not sure what you mean by baptism of repentance, I thought that was Johns baptism about repentance which Paul dealt with
Acts 19:3-5
And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”
So they said, “Into John's baptism.”
Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
if we become disciples of Christ being baptized in the Holy Ghost we can walk after the Spirit of the law.
So given your quote above I can't see how that corresponds with baptism of repentance.
I think to me when Jesus said "Go make disciples" he is saying to us as disciples
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
As disciples we have this in common
A disciple is one who repents of sin, trusts in Jesus for salvation, and obeys his teachings.
So to me to go make disciples is to lead people to Jesus which as you say "salvation takes care of itself"
Which is where the Holy Spirit comes in.
Truth is people are saved whilst still in their sin. I say sin and not sins as you say.
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will come to convict the world of its sin, that sin is unbelief in Jesus.
If one repents of that and places their trust in Jesus then the Holy Spirit indwells in them.
He then works in them to conform them to the image of Jesus. And yes we have a part to play as well.
Does that make sense?