John Mullally: (I forgot to use the quotes)
That is the time again.
Here is what I see you are saying
1) a person chooses to believe (after time for consideration)
2) a person is convicted (is made aware of sin by the Holy Spirit? Or is instructed by mature Christian?)
3) a person chooses to repent (after due consideration and weighing the costs)
4) a person chooses to make of a public confession of sin, repents
5) a person chooses to be baptized
7) a person chooses a Church
6) a person is granted conditional salvation based on future good behavior
This is a joyless, almost godless legal system with man condemned for sins he committed when he didn't, couldn't know any better. Repenting, confessing his sins then granted conditional salvation. A man who drags fearfully through life expecting God to kick him out of salvation like a dog who messed on the rug being tossed out of the house.
Is this your view of Christian Salvation?
If not please explain what your view is and which denominations believes that list above. This is what I see of the time frame and Repentance, not faith being the necessary act for salvation.
I am open to correction if I have mistaken your view.
1) As a person hears the Gospel, the Holy Spirit works within the person to convince them of the truth in the message. You called it seeing a light. You can think this as belief.
2) A person chooses to repent (after due consideration and weighing the costs). Repentance is act of belief. Some will not complete this step as with the story of the Rich Young Ruler who Jesus loved in Mark 10:17-27.
3) A person makes a decision to make a public confession of his repentance and new life in Christ. This qualifies the man to receive remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit- which includes regeneration.
4) A person makes the public confession - some take a while to be baptized - especially as it is confusing if you were baptized as a baby.
5) The person may already be going to church - if not he should find a good one.
6) If sin is not dealt with and the person begins to walk away from God, the Holy Spirit will pursue him per the parable of the lost sheep. Nevertheless, some can become lost.
7) When we sin, we restore communion by repenting and confessing our sin per 1 John 1:9.
7) We maintain strong communion with the Lord - we study his word and maintain an attitude of ACTS - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (Prayer). We fellowship with other believers - iron sharpens iron. A couple of key passages I find helpful in picking up my mood include Philippians 4:8 and Colossians 3:16.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.