Extenuating circumstances are taken into account, as we saw the Cornelius, in that God reversed the normal order to prove his own point. Good does indeed look at the heart:Shoesnsocks wrote:One other bit that makes me believe that one is saved when faith has found its way to Jesus, is the verses that make it very clear that "neither is there salvation in any other". To me that seems that there is only one way to be saved, and I have a hard time believing God would not save a sinner who converted at a time and in a place where they could not be baptized due to immediate persecution unto death.
I prefer baptism sooner than later as the example of NT scripture seems to indicate. The problem is finding someone or a church who will immerse you without requiring a person to adhere to all their doctrines FIRST.1Pe_3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
IMO, discipleship comes after baptism, not before, just as the vows of marriage come first before the co-habitation.
IMO, it is part and parcel of the salvation experience and not a "proving" of being in harmony with a particular set of doctrines. (I know I will get in trouble for this here...)
I am not saying that you shouldn't find fellowship and a place of discipleship, but those are issues after baptism, in my opinion. Perhaps the Baptist church would fit that ideal the closest, not that I am suggesting you should become a Baptist or any other particular denomination.
I often think of the Ethiopian eunuch in this regard. (see Acts 8:26-40)
You should take comfort in the fact that God is drawing you to himself and will provide whatever means you need to be obedient to him and to fulfill all that he has put into your heart. Your seeking is authored by him, just as Jesus said,
Blessings for your journey.Joh_6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him...