Part 8

Why I am baptized in the name of Jesus - Part 8 – All for one soul: A man named Cornelius

Once again, God cared about one soul, going to great lengths to bring a preacher to him that was baptized in the name of Jesus, that would preach the gospel, and that would baptize Cornelius in the name of Jesus. 

If Cornelius could have baptized himself, or if a family member, or servant that was not baptized in the name of Jesus could have baptized him, then God wouldn't have had him to call for Peter.

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius…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 

These great spiritual qualities were not what Cornelius needed to be saved. Cornelius needed to hear the gospel preached, to believe the gospel, and to obey the gospel. (Mark 16:15-16, Romans 10:13-16, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-4, Acts 2:36-42).

"He saw in a vision…Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter…he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." - Acts 10:3-6 (Acts 11:11-15)

When Peter arrived, there were many gathered - kinsmen and near friends.

"Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." - Acts 10:33

Peter then preached the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name." Acts 10:43 NLT 

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ... For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:44, 46 

"Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" - Acts 10:46-47 (Acts 11:15, Acts 2:4).

It was not enough they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It was ESSENTIAL that they ALSO be water baptized in the name of Jesus. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38). 

Peter then COMMANDED them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. (Acts 10:48).