What Does The Bible Say?

The Conversion Of Cornelius

The Bible is very clear that our Creator is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). In fact, Jesus is spoken of as “the propitiation” for the “sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). The salvation provided by Jesus is potentially given to all, but reception of Jesus as the Christ and the teaching of the gospel message is essential to access the blessings in Christ (Col. 2:6, 2 Thess. 2:14, Eph. 1:314, Gal. 3:23-29). In the language of Luke, we must become “obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).

How does a person become saved, converted? The story of Cornelius, his family, and his friends, and their response to the gospel address this important question.

The case of Cornelius is fascinating from a number of aspects.

(1)

Cornelius And His Household

(Acts 10-11)

,W Ls WKH firsW FasH Ln AFWs wKHrH nRn

Jews (i.e. gentiles) are reached out to for evangelism (Acts 11:18, 15:7).

(2) Cornelius and his company appear to be “God-fearers”, a term that has technical sLJnLfiFanFH rHIHrrLnJ WR JHnWLlHs wKR KavH

joined themselves to the Jewish religion in faith and practice (10:2, 22).

(3) These God-fearers are both knowledgeable (Grk. epistamai) of Jewish Law and custom (10:28), and have a familiar acquaintance (Grk. oida) with the events of Jesus’ ministry (10:37-43).

(4) Cornelius was a good man. In fact, aside from being a “God-fearer” he is described as “a devout man” and his behavior demonstrates this (10:2): he “gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God”. In fact, the Jewish nation held him in high esteem, for he was “well spoken of” among them – a truly remarkable feat for a gentile (10:22). And yet, Cornelius was, contrary to popular religious belief, lost and in need of salvation (10:5, 22; 11:14).

Ancient Ceasarea Maritima

The ruins of Ancient Ceasarea Maritima, where Cornelius the centurion awaited the apostle Peter’s preaching. It was home to many of King Herod’s great harbor.

Cornelius is visited by an angel and directed to send for the apostle Peter, who in turn is to declare “a message by which” he would “be saved” (Acts 11:14). Peter is also visited by God in a trance, in which Peter is told not to “call any person common or unclean” (10:28). This was to prepare his conscience as he entered a gentile’s home, contrary to Jewish practice. But, the trance was also designed to prepare the key for reaching out to the gentile world with the gospel (Rom. 1:16-17).

As Peter was preaching, “the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word” (10:44). This endowment was demonstrated by miraculous SRwHrs (10:45), anG LW FRnfirPHG WR ERWK 3Hter and the six Christian Jews (10:23; 11:12) God’s undeniable cleansing of the gentiles (cf. 10:15; 11:9). Consistent with Peter’s inaugural preaching of the gospel on the day of Pentecost, he asks the “brothers”, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people (Cornelius and his household of family and friends) who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (10:47).

Since Peter was to bring a message with WKH wRrGs WR ErLnJ WKHP salvaWLRn, LW Ls fiWting that Peter concludes his message with a command to them “to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (10:48). Much like Peter’s response on the day of Pentecost, he employs baptism in the name of Jesus Christ

(Acts 2:38ff).

Since the inspired apostle Peter is speaking in both situations, he would hardly have a different saving message; hence, it is important to include baptism in the name of Jesus is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). In fact, when the Jerusalem church hears about the event, they glorify God and conclude, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” (11:15).

It is one of the saddest of notes to observe how transparent the stories of conversion are as narrated in the book of Acts; and yet, for all their simplicity and elegance confusion abounds regarding those essential elements of conversion. The gentiles were to hear the message of salvation, and when they received it, they were commanded to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ; thus, being granted repentance that leads to life.

What About The Good Person,

Are They Saved?

If the conversion of Cornelius and company informs us of anything, it should demonstrate that being “devout”, “God-fearing”, and having a “servant-heart” – as some are IRnG RI sayLnJ WRGay – arH nRW suIfiFLHnW Ey

themselves to receive salvation and eternal life.

Have You Obeyed The Gospel Of Jesus

Christ?

It is our sincere desire and prayer that you obey the gospel today and be saved. Remember the words of Jesus, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23).

The Gospel Of Jesus Christ Is His Power

Unto Salvation

If you are not a Christian you can be by obeying the gospel. Jesus says, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Paul said; “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believHWK; WR WKH -Hw firsW, anG alsR WR WKH GrHHN”

(Romans 1:16). The words of Jesus teach us that to become a Christian one must:

• Hear the gospel (John 6:44-45)

• Believe in Jesus as the Christ (John 8:24) • Repent of all sins (Luke 13:3)

• Confess Christ as Lord (Matthew 10:3233)

• And be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16) • After baptism remain faithful to God. (Matthew 10:22)

If we do just what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain and we will hear Him say “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). Let us go back to the Bible, back to Christ and His church and do exactly what He commanded. Please let us help you in your obedience to the gospel before it is eternally too late.

[This material is presented by the members of the Northside church of Christ - 700 Jolly Road, NW - Calhoun, Georgia 30701. If you would like to have a Bible Study or discuss this subject further please contact one of our elders; Kent Bailey at 706-629-6111 - Ron Hall at 770548-3167 - Eddie Jones at 706-264-2651]