Are there unusual ways in which a person can enter the church without being baptized personally?

[Mammoths]

The bible examples of course include St Thief on the Cross and the friends of Cornelius who received the Holy Spirit while Peter was preaching before they were baptized. I wonder if there is an explanation of how that works together with the general teaching that we receive the Holy Spirit and enter the church at Baptism? If there is already a thread on this question I am happy to go there instead.

 

[Bookcat]

1. Is Baptism necessary for salvation?

1257

Baptism is necessary for salvation for all those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament.

1. Is it possible to be saved without Baptism?

1258-1261
1281-1283

Since Christ died for the salvation of all, those can be saved without Baptism who die for the faith (Baptism of blood). Catechumens and all those who, even without knowing Christ and the Church, still (under the impulse of grace) sincerely seek God and strive to do his will can also be saved without Baptism (Baptism of desire). The Church in her liturgy entrusts children who die without Baptism to the mercy of God.

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html#The%20sacraments%20of%20Christian%20initiation

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

 

[Bookcat]

The biblethe friends of Cornelius who received the Holy Spirit while Peter was preaching before they were baptized. I wonder if there is an explanation of how that works together with the general teaching that we receive the Holy Spirit and enter the church at Baptism?

In Scripture it is painted as an exceptional case. Peter is quite surprised!

After all he himself said under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the beginning of Acts in response to “what are we to do?” - said - repent and be baptized and you will receive the Holy Spirit - and that is what happened…

Also regarding the association of baptism and the Holy Spirit.

Paul encounters some men --indeed some “disciples” --He asked if they received the Holy Spirit – and had not even heard there was a Holy Spirit – so Paul asked about their baptism --and it turns out they were baptized only into John’s Baptism which was not Christian Baptism but one of repentance.

So they were then Baptized – and Paul laid hands on them (Confirmation) and the Holy Spirit came and they manifested signs similar to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Baptism and the laying on of hands. Then came the Holy Spirit.

That being said - God is free - the Holy Spirit can came prior to Baptism and indeed is at work in the person even in their having Faith.

And the Holy Spirit is ever at work.

 

[Mammoths]

1. Is Baptism necessary for salvation?

1257

Baptism is necessary for salvation for all those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament.

1. Is it possible to be saved without Baptism?

1258-1261
1281-1283

Since Christ died for the salvation of all, those can be saved without Baptism who die for the faith (Baptism of blood). Catechumens and all those who, even without knowing Christ and the Church, still (under the impulse of grace) sincerely seek God and strive to do his will can also be saved without Baptism (Baptism of desire). The Church in her liturgy entrusts children who die without Baptism to the mercy of God.

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html#The%20sacraments%20of%20Christian%20initiation

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

Are these indwelt by the Holy Spirit in life? I am thinking here of the disciples who were baptized after receiving the Holy Spirit at the preaching of Peter. I wonder if, in the case of “baptism of desire” do they share in trinitarian life now or do they wait for death?

 

[Bookcat]

Are these indwelt by the Holy Spirit in life? I am thinking here of the disciples who were baptized after receiving the Holy Spirit at the preaching of Peter. I wonder if, in the case of “baptism of desire” do they share in trinitarian life now or do they wait for death?

See second post above.

We do not know - God knows. One would have to ask God about each person…

Is it possible for God to give a person life in Christ during their life even though they have never heard his name? It is possible.

God can work in ways we will never know in this life.

The way though that God gave us - is via faith and baptism into Christ.