The salvation of Cornelius

 

1)      Perhaps one of the most important conversions in the book of Acts is that of Cornelius.

2)      This conversion is so important it is told twice (once in Acts 10 and once in Acts 11).

 

3)      When we look at Cornelius we see some very basic points.

4)      First, he man was lost (had Cornelius not been converted, he would have been eternally condemned).

5)      Second, he had to “hear words.”  This is what an angel told him.

6)      Third, he did finally obtain salvation.

 

7)      We want to look at all three of these subjects and begin with the first point.

8)      Cornelius was a really good man, but he was also unsaved.

a)      If anyone could be saved under the New Testament without obedience to the gospel, Cornelius would be a top pick.

b)      Cornelius may have been one of the finest men that has ever drawn breath.

c)      Acts 10:22 says a lot of Jewish people looked at this man and said he was a fine fellow.

d)     For Jews to say this about a Gentile was a very high compliment.

e)      Cornelius was not only a Gentile, he was a military officer.

f)       His life would have been generally one that Jewish people would have disdained.

g)      Luke says “all the nation of the Jews” had great respect for this Gentile soldier.

 

9)      We sometimes talk about “good people.”  Someone may be a good friend or neighbor, but not a Christian.

10)  Cornelius was that type of person – in fact, even God noticed some good things about him.

11)  God realized this man was “devout” (religious), verse 2 – READ

a)      Today people often say someone is “saved” because they are religious.

b)      Our culture seems to equate almost any type of religious faith with heaven.

c)      At a funeral, if the deceased had “church membership” they are almost always guaranteed salvation.

 

12)  In the life of Cornelius we find an important fact:  religion is not an indicator of or proof of salvation.

13)  He had religion, but He did not have a right relationship with God.

14)  If that had been the case, Peter would not have needed to come and instruct him about spiritual things.

15)  Verse 2 also tells us Cornelius feared God.

a)      This is another great quality; the Bible certainly does tell people to respect God.

b)      However, fearing God does not necessarily mean a person is a Christian.

c)      Our world assumes that thinking kindly about God and not speaking speak badly about him results in salvation.

d)     Cornelius was very respectful of God, but he was not saved.

e)      Religion and respect for God do not take care of sin.

 

16)  A third point about Cornelius is that he was a giver.  He helped people who were poor.

17)  We would call him a “generous” man.  In the middle of verse 2 we find he gave “much” alms.

18)  We do not know how much this wealth had, but it certainly seems he was not covetous.

19)  Our society often places a lot of emphasis on helping the less fortunate.

20)  Our nation often regards benevolence as a good thing – a great work.

21)  Benevolent people are often looked upon with great favor.  They may be highly praised.

22)  Those who help the poor are often viewed as people who must be pleasing to God.

23)  T.V. evangelists have convinced many that the way to God is through one’s bank account.

24)  Giving is the key to pleasing God and being successful in life.

25)  Cornelius tells us that helping the poor or being a big contributor is not the way to salvation.

26)  A person may give all they have to the poor and still be unsaved.

27)  Cornelius did the things the religious world tells people to do, but Cornelius was not saved.

28)  This account is helpful because it allows us to separate religious fact from religious fiction.

a)      Cornelius’ life also consisted of prayer (this is stated at the end of verse 2).

b)      This soldier did not pray every once in a while; he prayed on a regular basis.

c)      His prayer life was very regular.

d)     Our world would look at such a person and say, “Surely he was saved.”

e)      How can a person be religious, respect God, give, pray, and not be saved?

f)       Acts 10-11 says in the most explicit terms that this man was not right with deity.

 

29)  God says this man was in a state of divine condemnation.

30)  Because Cornelius was in a state of condemnation he had to find a preacher.

31)  Acts 10:5 – READ.

a)      Acts 10 does not get very specific on why Cornelius needed Peter.

b)      Acts 11 tells us exactly why Peter was needed – verse 14 –READ 

c)      Cornelius had to hear “words” (a message).  We also learn of the purpose behind this message.

d)     He could hear the words he needed so he and others could be “saved.”

e)      God says this man was not saved even though he was involved with many religious activities.

f)       What was Peter’s special message?  Jesus had spoken it about ten years earlier.

g)      We call the “great commission” in Mt. 28:18-20.

h)      Cornelius was part of the “creation.”  He was included in the “every creature” of Mk. 16:15.

 

32)  The “words” of Acts 11:14 were the commands of Christ as well as the promises of the gospel.

33)  Cornelius learned that he had to “do” some things so He could “receive” some things.

34)  A person may have what we would regard as an excellent moral character.

35)  We might be asked to be a reference for someone.

a)      When asked, we affirm that the person we know is indeed a fine person.

b)      We express our belief that someone would be a great worker.

c)      Our acquaintance would be reliable, honest, and an asset to a company needing a worker.

d)     I have given some references over the years, but I have never said a person was sinless.

e)      All are guilty of sin.

f)       Some like Cornelius are guilty of sin and practice a form of religion on a regular basis.

36)  Until someone hears and obeys the words of Christ, he is lost no matter how good we think he is.

37)  Cornelius was told by an angel to make contact with Peter (Acts 10:3).

38)  Were this to happen today, many would say Cornelius was saved.

39)  How could an angel appear to someone and the person NOT be saved?

40)  God says this precisely what occurred in Acts 10.

41)  Peter finally came along, but the presence of an apostle will not save him.

a)      Today we find those who think that being in the presence of a preacher will help them.

b)      The main help a preacher can give is important information.

c)      A man who knows the word of God can teach someone what they must do.

d)     It is then up to that person to obey the terms of the gospel.

 

42)  We find people who sometimes reason that God will save those who have never heard the truth.

43)  This was the condition of Cornelius – he was ignorant about God’s will.

44)  If he knew the name Jesus, He had not obeyed the Lord.

45)  From what is said about this fellow, he had a very limited knowledge of Christianity and perhaps none.

a)      If he did understand the gospel, why did Peter need to come and speak “words”?

b)      We may also ask this question:

c)      If God will save those who do not know about the gospel, why trouble Peter?

d)     Why not leave this man in his ignorance and let him continue with his prayers and service?

e)      The answer is that ignorance is not be a basis for salvation.

f)       People must learn the truth and obey it.

 

46)  Some point out from Acts 10 that Cornelius received the Holy Spirit and this is true.

47)  It is claimed that his receiving the Holy Spirit was proof of salvation.

a)      Cornelius and his house did receive the Holy Spirit, but this did not save him or his family.

b)      It is unfortunate that people do not read the entire story.

c)      Look at Acts 11:15 – READ

 

48)  Verse 14 does not say Cornelius was saved by the Holy Spirit.  Remember what was learned earlier.

a)      “Words” were going to save this man and the other people in his household.

b)      This statement is either true or false.  It cannot be true and false at the same time.

c)      If we accept the Bible as being true, then salvation was going to come through “words.”

 

49)  Verse 15 says Peter “began to speak.”  Peter did not get a chance to speak the needed words.

50)  He started to speak and then came the Holy Spirit.

51)  If words were supposed to save this man, why did the Holy Spirit interrupt the speaker?

a)      The text tells us:  Peter was reluctant to tell this man about the gospel.

b)      Cornelius was a Gentile; up to this point and time the gospel was going to the Jews.         

c)      Peter and those with him had to be convinced that it was okay for Cornelius to hear the truth.

 

52)  Notice verse 17 of Acts 11 – READ

53)  The Holy Spirit proved that it was okay to speak the “words of salvation” (verse 14).

54)  Back in Mt. 16 Jesus said Peter would have “keys to the kingdom.”

a)      A similar promise was made to the other apostles in Mt. 18.

b)      On this occasion Peter used at least one of those keys.

c)      He opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles.

d)     The Holy Spirit affirmed that this was okay by sending the Holy Spirit on this household.

e)      We can be glad for this man’s conversion most of us are likely from a Gentile heritage.

 

55)  Peter not only opened the door for this man and his house, he commanded them to be obedient.

56)  Verse 48 of Acts 10 – READ

57)  Cornelius became a “saved man” when he obeyed the gospel.

a)      Cornelius could have said he did not need Peter; he had all the religion he wanted.

b)      He gave, he prayed, God was an important part of his life.  He could have said he was satisfied.

c)      This is what we hear from many people today.

 

58)  People  have a system of religion they like, they believe it works for them, so they will not change.

59)  Cornelius was a great man in part because he was willing to listen to the truth.

60)  What really made him special was his being willing to obey the truth.

61)  His attitude is more fully expressed in verse 33 of Acts 10 – READ

a)      This man said “we want to hear it all.”

b)      ALL is a key word.

c)      Cornelius did not say, “give me the abbreviated version.”

d)     Neither did he say, “tell me what to do.”

e)      He was someone who wanted every detail; he did not want anything left out.

f)       He was the kind of fellow who is told something and then asks, “is there anything more?

 

62)  Such an attitude must thrill the heart of God.

63)  Today many seem to wonder how little they can get by with; what is the minimum requirement?

64)  This man did not want to leave a single stone unturned.

65)  Such should still be the attitude of every person when it comes to salvation.

66)  We get only one chance at making heaven our home (this life).

67)  If we do not get it right, the consequence will be eternally bad.

68)  When Cornelius realized what was required, he was obedient.

69)  He could obey because the gospel is not all that hard.

a)      Jesus said (Lk. 10:21) that it is something “babes” can understand.

b)      People who have their minds made up about religion are going to have a hard time with the truth.

c)      Good and honest hearts that want to know and obey the truth can quickly see the point.

d)     Someone may need to offer some guidance as Peter did, but the truth is still quickly apparent.

 

70)  Peter realized he had a very important obligation.

71)  This apostle said he had been “charged” to preach the word.

72)  This account tells us there is no salvation outside of Christ.

73)  This is still true; heaven can only be accessed through Christ.

74)  Have we found the Father through the Son?

75)  Do we use the Son on a regular basis to maintain our relationship with God?