Will All Good People Be Saved? Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Cornelius’ Character

2. Cornelius’ Commendation

3. Cornelius’ Conversion

Remarks.

Introductory Remarks.

1. In this gathering, we will discuss the theme: “Will all good people be saved?” It is not our purpose to deny anyone entrance into the kingdom of God. However, God has terms of pardon; one must obey before being saved. Unfortunately, God’s terms differ from the conditions that men impose upon sincere believers in God. We will point some of these out as we deal with the conversion of Cornelius and his household. I might add that to obtain a clear understanding of New Testament conversions, one must read and understand the Book of Acts.

2. First, we will consider the character of Cornelius. He was a devout man who feared God with his entire house, gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. Although these are all noble qualities, they did not grant him salvation. According to the messenger, he needed to hear words: “Whereby he and his entire house might be saved.” These words are the gospel of Christ.

3. Secondly, we will notice the angel’s words of commendation. I must state that one cannot be called to salvation outside of the gospel of Christ. One cannot be saved by just hearing a word; it must be God's word for men to be saved. God has put this message in “human or earthen vessels” and not within any heavenly host (angels). The angel in our lesson merely told the man where to find the preacher, who, when he came, would: “Tell him words whereby he and his entire house could be saved.” This is far from what many today claim regarding their encounters with angels and other heavenly beings.

4. Lastly, we will analyze Cornelius's conversion. Luke reveals how he and his household entered the kingdom of God. After hearing God's words, he and his entire house obeyed the gospel of Christ. We will first notice his character.

BODY OF LESSON

I CORNELIUS’ CHARACTER

A. Cornelius is a “devout man.” Luke describes Cornelius as a good man. Though a Gentile, he was a man of great devotion and love for God. Men of this caliber were assembled on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem.

1. Luke writes: “And there was dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven,” Acts 2:5. Cornelius was: “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house; and he prayed to God always,” Acts 10:2. This is the same root word found in Acts 2:5. Let’s notice a few things about this word. Observe,

a. First, many “devout” men assembled in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. The word, “devout” in Gr., is eusebes, which means, “well-reverent, i.e., pious: —devout, godly.”

b. Further, he truly revered God. He was a pious and dutiful person (a worker of righteousness). Many “good people” like Cornelius exist in this community and worldwide. Some are in this building even now. They can be found in many denominations. They are good people, just like Cornelius and his family. Yet, they have not heard the gospel message and obeyed it. I might be speaking to you in this assembly, or you may be reading this sermon or book right now.

c. Next, he and his entire household feared and reverenced God. Some people in this community have a “good and honest heart,” Luke 8:15. They seek the Lord, “Though He is not far from any one of us,” Acts 17:27.

d. Finally, Jesus speaks of the “good and honest heart” in His discussion of the four kinds of soil (hearts). The sower sowed the seed (the word of God) into four types of hearts. The seed fell into “the wayside, rocky, thorny and good ground.” What kind of soil (soul) are you?

ILLUSTRATION: The Parable of the Sower, Luke 8:4-15.

2. Solomon says: “A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions he will condemn,” Proverbs 12:2. David penned: “The LORD orders the steps of a good man: and he delighteth in his way,” Psalms 37:23. Observe,

3. God is no respecter of persons: “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and he sendeth rain on the just and the unjust,” Matthew 5:45; Romans 2:11.

B. He feared God with his entire house. Cornelius was a man who reverenced God, he, and his entire house. He was seeking salvation for himself and his family. Why are you here tonight? Are you seeking salvation for yourself and your family? Notice:

1. First, Solomon says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction,” Proverbs 1:7.

2. Further, he writes: “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility,” Proverbs 15:33. This word - conveys a reverence for God and his commandments.