Lessons from Cornelius

                                                        

                                                                

Some people think if they “keep the Ten Commandments” they are saved.

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." - Acts 10:1-2

We find out Cornelius’ righteousness was not enough to save him. He needed to hear and obey the gospel, being born of water and of the Spirit, as Jesus said.

We also find out that we need a preacher to preach the gospel to us and to baptize us in the name of Jesus. (Romans 10:14-16).

The Lord loved Cornelius so much, that He sent an angel telling him to send for a man named Peter.

"…He shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." - Acts 10:6

While men from Cornelius were on their way, the Lord gave Peter a heavenly vision to make sure Peter would accept the mission. (Acts 10:9-16).    

If you haven’t been born again, Jesus loves YOU and is calling you to be born of water and of the Spirit. 

When Peter arrived, Cornelius had gathered family and friends to hear Peter’s message. Peter preached to them the gospel, that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and that He rose again the third day. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 10:39-40).

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed [the Jewish believers] were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:44-46

Peter then COMMANDED that they be baptized in the name of Jesus.

"Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." - Acts 10:46-48