THE CONVERSION OF AN UPRIGHT MAN

THE CONVERSION OF AN UPRIGHT MAN

Cornelius, whose conversion is recorded in Acts 10, 11 was a devout, God-fearing man (10:2) who nonetheless needed to be saved (11:14). 

Cornelius was a Gentile; the implication of this Peter acknowledged, saying “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean“ (10:28).

The formidable task of convincing men that the gospel is for all was assigned to the apostle Paul.  Jesus told Ananias that “he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).    Later, Paul says that Jesus “said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles’.“

The record of this conversion provided documentary proof that “to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18).

Romans 1:16. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

         This gospel is communicated to man by words – James writing that the implanted word “is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).  Many people today think that salvation depends on a direct operation of the Holy Spirit – a “DOHS”.  Some appeal to the conversion of Cornelius, as proof of their contention.   What about that  …  was Cornelius converted by a DOHS, or by the preaching of the word? 

Consider the cases of conversion in the book of Acts, and look

0particularly at the references to the teacher speaking, or the student listening and hearing: a reference of one sort or another – in every case -- to the word being preached. 

          An angel appeared first of all, in verses 3-8, 22.  The purpose of this appearing was to tell the sinner where he could find the preacher, as Cornelius told Peter (11:13 – 15).  The work of the angel was successful, he got the sinner with the preacher.

Cornelius still needs the message of salvation – he is lost.

          Next is the appearance of the Holy Spirit.  In 10:17, Peter was  

wondering about the vision he had seen, when the men sent by Cornelius arrived.  The Holy Spirit told Peter to go with them, “for I have sent them.”  So the work of the Holy Spirit was successful – He got the preacher with the sinner.

          Cornelius still needs the message of salvation – he is lost.

          Then, finally, we come to the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  This is recorded in Acts 10:44-46, the sugar stick of those who call for a direct operation of the Holy Spirit for salvation for anyone.  The Holy Spirit fell on “all who heard the word.”  That it had really happened was evident, “they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.”

Cornelius still needs the message of salvation – he is still LOST.

Well then, what is, “baptism in the name of Christ”?

Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ – IS IMMERSION IN WATER,  Acts 10:47, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ – IS THE COMMANDED BAPTISM, Acts 10:48,  “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ – IS FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, Acts 2:38, “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of  your sins ...’ .”

Cornelius and his household were saved when they heard the word of the message, and obeyed.   The Holy Spirit falling on these Gentiles was to drive home the message to Jewish Christians, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18).