"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."
In today's quote Cornelius told Peter how an angel had appeared unto him and told him to send for Peter so that he could preach to him "all things that are commanded thee of God." It behooves us to make a second note of exactly what Peter was to teach, he was to teach "all things that are commanded thee of God."
Peter was to teach Cornelius what he must do to receive remission of sins.
What does God demand for remission of sins? The answer is very simple and just as Peter told Cornelius, "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever BELIEVETH in him shall receive remission of sins." Whosoever believes in Jesus Christ SHALL receive remission of sins. There is nothing else one need do, there are no caveats or other qualifications necessary.
Peter did NOT preach that one must first believe and then be baptized in water to receive remission of sins, nor did he preach that one must first believe and then live a perfect sin free life until one dies to receive remission of sins. Peter simply said, to Him give all the prophets witness, that THROUGH HIS NAME (Jesus) WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM (Jesus) SHALL RECEIVE REMISSION OF SINS." Period.~
NOTE: The phrase, "His name", as it is applied in this text, identifies Jesus as being one with God and the Holy Spirit, it also defines His authority over all of mankind.
"His name" can also refer to a lesson that can be taught to define the life and purpose of Jesus.~
"His name" can also refer to a lesson that can be taught to define the life and purpose of Jesus.~
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