Where are people like Cornelius? 

I must confess that when I read about the kind of man Cornelius was before the apostle came to him, I was impressed. He is described as “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always,” (Acts 10:2). I am confident that if any of us had met this man, we would have liked him because he was so sincere, unselfish and obviously devoted to God.

If we are going to learn anything from Cornelius though, we have to come to grips with the fact that he was lost in sin. Yes, this man was not a Christian. If he would have died in that state, he would have died in his sins. Consider what Peter says in Acts 11:13-14: “And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.” Prior to Peter’s arrival, Cornelius feared God and prayed to God often but was not saved.

Many people have a harder time accepting that Cornelius was lost in his sins than Cornelius did himself! We might expect that Cornelius, as the head of his household, could struggle to accept admonition from Peter, but he clearly responded to Peter’s message. What was it about Cornelius that helped him accept the words of Peter?

This man feared God not man

Logically, a religious person who is told that he is not right with the Lord should want to know what the Lord said. However, many religious people think they will be saved simply because they are religious. Cornelius was certainly religious, yet he was also lost! If we truly fear God, we will listen to His words (I Pet. 4:11). It does not make much sense to fear God and pray to Him but then refuse to accept His instruction (II Tim. 3:16-17).

This man was humble

When Peter came to see Cornelius, he fell down at Peter’s feet and began worshipping him. The apostle lifted him up and admonished him: “Stand up; I myself am also a man,” (Acts 10:25-26). I am not suggesting in the slightest that should we elevate another man. Still, notice Cornelius’ humility. Many religious people are so full of themselves that they are unwilling to be taught by another. It is hard for people to admit when they are wrong. Cornelius was not like that.

This man wanted others to learn

In Acts 10:27, we read that Peter talked with Cornelius in a public place. This allowed others to hear the same life-saving message at the same time. Notice how Cornelius did not try to act as a “filter” by first hearing the message and then later sharing it with loved ones – he allowed everyone to hear it at the same time. No one has cornered the market on truth – all can know (John 8:32). If Cornelius did act like the mediator, then he would have been guilty of wanting people to follow him instead of the Lord.

This man obeyed immediately

After hearing the message and the command to be baptized, Cornelius and several others obeyed (Acts 10:47-48). There was no sulking and asking “why have I been wrong?” or arguing “but God knows my heart”. Simply put, the gospel message was preached. They heard it, believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8; 22:16; 2:38, etc.).  How about you?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Chuck

Experiences do not save 

When Jesus gave the commission to go into the entire world and preach the gospel to everyone, the saving message (the gospel) was the same for all (Mark 16:15-16). Jude 3 says there is a common salvation. Jesus did not provide unique ways to heaven for specific people – the same pathway is available to all of us. Unfortunately, some people want their conversions to be unique. They pursue this by claiming that some experience they went through “proves” they were saved. There are many ways to disprove these claims. However, this article will review some Bible accounts of unique experiences to determine whether those experiences actually saved the person.

Saul and the voice from heaven

In Acts chapter 9, there is no question that Saul of Tarsus had an experience. A light shone from heaven and a voice cried out, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (verse 3-4).  Jesus appeared to him and gave some instructions. However, it was not until Saul went into the city that he heard this message from the preacher: “Why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized washing away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord,” (Acts 22:16). If Saul merely had the experience with Jesus and then did not follow the instructions, he would not have been saved. If Saul had not gone into the city, he would not have heard the preacher’s message, would not have been baptized and ultimately would not have had his sins washed away. It is vital to see that this genuine religious experience did not save Saul. Salvation came when he responded to the same life-saving message that is extended to all of us today.

Cornelius and the Holy Spirit

In Acts chapter 10, we find Cornelius and his family having an experience. While the apostle Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon them (verses 44-45). There were Jewish Christians present, and this proved to them that the Gentiles could become Christians too.  After this experience, Peter proceeded: “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord,” (verses 46-47). Again, we need to see that the experience itself did not save Cornelius. He and his family, like any family today, were saved when they responded to the gospel call and had their sins washed away.

Philippian Jailer and the earthquake

In Acts chapter 16, we find a jailer facing an earthquake. Thinking that all the prisoners had fled and fearing for his own life, the jailer was about to kill himself. The apostle Paul (formerly known as Saul in the first example) called out: “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here” (verses 27-28).  The jailer then brings them out of their cell and asks what he needs to do to be saved (verse 30). He is told to believe in Jesus and receives some additional preaching (verse 32).  The man was then baptized (verse 33). Just like the other examples, the jailer would have been lost if he thought he was saved just because he believed. Salvation came when he responded to the life-saving message via baptism.

These three incidents help us see that even when strange things occur, they are not a substitute for conversion. Things happen that you might not be able to explain. Do not ignore the gospel by using the event as a confirmation of your salvation. The only thing that proves a person is saved is if they obey the gospel message (Acts 2:37-41; Rom. 6:3-7). Remember that it is the gospel message that saves mankind, not mankind having some experience. Beware those who teach a salvation other than the gospel (II Thess. 1:8).

                                                                                       Chuck

Looking for souls like Cornelius

     If you are not familiar with the conversion of Cornelius and his household, please read Acts 10 and 11. I will point out some of the wonderful qualities this man possessed that aided him in becoming a Christian.

     We are told that Cornelius, even though he was not saved, believed in God and prayed often (Acts 10:2). Though these qualities did not automatically save him, they were essential for him to seek God on His terms. Thus, when the Lord told Cornelius to send for Peter so he could hear how to be saved (11:14), he did not get upset. Too often people allow pride to stand between them and salvation. Cornelius could have closed his mind and decided that he had done enough to be saved already, but His desire for righteousness was earnest.

     Another quality that aided Cornelius was his humility. When Peter came to Cornelius, he immediately fell down to worship him (10:25). Though Peter told him that he should not be worshipped (verse 26), Cornelius’ humble disposition is evident. This attitude was key for Cornelius and his entire household (10:47-48) to carefully listen to and obey Peter’s instructions.

     Also notice how Cornelius desired for others to hear the message of salvation. We are told that when Peter came, Cornelius had many people gathered for the apostle to teach (10:27). What a delight this must have been for Peter! What teacher of God’s word wouldn’t light up with joy when they find many people assembled and ready to learn? This is as true today as it was for early Christians.

     Cornelius’ example shows why it is critically important to pray for those seeking the truth. Not only will our prayers help them directly, but that same aspiring Christian might be encouraged to bring others to their studies too. Those earnestly longing for salvation will want others to be saved as well. If you are not a Christian, please consider Cornelius’ example and earnestly seek the Lord.

                                                                                                                                                                                   Chuck