The question is whether they would have persevered had Christ not appeared before them. And if they were true believers, then why was it necessary for them to receive the Holy Spirit?
But the Bible contradicts (oh, it's that word again!) itself on when the Holy Spirit was received. Mark (12:36) says that David received the HS. Luke (1:15) says John the Forerunner (Baptist) was filled with the HS in the womb. According to Luke (1:45), also, his mother, Elisabeth was also filled with the HS.
Again, Luke (2:25) says that a man by the name Simeon was just and devout and that the HS was upon him. And in Acts (1:16), presumably Luke again, says that the HS spoke by the mouth of David.
Yet, John (7:39) says "The Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." That verse leaves very little room for any exceptions.
So, the Gospels do not agree on this issue.
Whatever the case may be it is undeniable that, after the resurrection, the disciples become Apostles without fear, which is quite the opposite of how they acted before.
So, definitely a life-changing events took place for them to become transformed from followers who scooted like scared little bunnies when the chips fell down, to fearless and zealous announcers of the Gospel.
I don't think there is a skeptic in this world who can deny this.
And the answer is simple, if they were of the elect then "yes", and if not then "no".
And if they were true believers, then why was it necessary for them to receive the Holy Spirit?
God ordains that believers after He left be given the Holy Spirit. For one thing He replaces the seal of circumcision. Old Covenant, New Covenant.
But the Bible contradicts (oh, it's that word again!) itself on when the Holy Spirit was received. Mark (12:36) says that David received the HS. Luke (1:15) says John the Forerunner (Baptist) was filled with the HS in the womb. According to Luke (1:45), also, his mother, Elisabeth was also filled with the HS.
Christ says the Holy Spirit is sent of God. Presumably, that means He is sent whenever that happens (as opposed to a formula applying to all of humanity) and that by implication when Jesus uses the future tense He is referring to those who do not as yet have Him. What's the contradiction? The Spirit is sent to whomever God wants, whenever God wants that to happen.
Yet, John (7:39) says "The Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." That verse leaves very little room for any exceptions. So, the Gospels do not agree on this issue.
Nonsense. HS was not yet come for all believers in general. THAT would only happen after Christ was glorified.
Whatever the case may be it is undeniable that, after the resurrection, the disciples become Apostles without fear, which is quite the opposite of how they acted before. So, definitely a life-changing events took place for them to become transformed from followers who scooted like scared little bunnies when the chips fell down, to fearless and zealous announcers of the Gospel. I don't think there is a skeptic in this world who can deny this.
YES to all of this! :)