Lesson 369

(Lesson 369)(08-18-12) Acts 10:29-48, "And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed 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. 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. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."

I believe this text, beginning with Peter's rooftop vision and carrying through the last verse of todays lesson, is the perfect demonstration of "the operation of God" and how eternal salvation is to be achieved.

We see, herein, that Cornelius already believed in God, the Hebrew God, our God, he believed God was capable of answering prayers and granting eternal life. He believed God would, if asked, provide that means. He then, after being approached by the angels, sent for Peter.
We see also that the chance to be cleansed of sin, (receive remission of sin), and be eternally restored to God the Father, was offered to everyone, and not just the Jews.

We learn further, that when one hears the gospel and believes that Jesus is the son of God and that He was sent as a 'one time fits all' sacrifice for the sins of the entire world, He lived, died, and was resurrected the third day, we, right then and right there, receive eternal salvation, just as Cornelius did.

This lesson reveals also, that salvation and the Holy Ghost is granted before water baptism is to be administered. Unless, of course, one is willing to believe the Holy Ghost can be poured out on the lost and unbelieving. This truth is demonstrated by the fact that Cornelius, his family and friends, received the Holy Ghost BEFORE Peter offered water baptism.

We already know, however, from Peter's experience with Simon the Sorcerer, the Holy Ghost is only bestowed upon those who have already devoted themselves wholly to the gospel of Jesus Christ (His Name).

The fact that water baptism was offered AFTER Cornelius and the others were obviously saved, strengthens the determination, and my belief, that water baptism is to be administered as a ritual symbol of ones salvation, and as a visual example of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.~
NOTE: Tomorrows lesson will be a further examination of Cornelius' experience.