CONVERSION OF A GOOD MAN

Act 11:12-14. ... who shall speak unto thee words, whereby thou shalt be saved, thou & all thy house

How do good people who do not have Jesus, stand before God? Since folks rightfully consider Cornelius a good man, we ought to find our answer in his conversion.

I.      WAS CORNELIUS SAVED?

         A.     There is no doubt as to the salvation of Cornelius (Acts 11: 14). However, we must make the distinction between essentials and peripheral matters.

         B.     The thrust of this study is to establish when salvation is obtained and what is essential and non-essential in the obtainment of salvation.

II.     WHEN WAS CORNELIUS SAVED?

         A.     We are expressly told that Cornelius was devout, feared God, was a very generous man, was a praying man (10:2), yet lost.

         B.     Cornelius had a vision (Acts 10:3), yet lost.

         C.     Cornelius wanted to hear preaching and invited others, yet lost.

         D.     Cornelius had a respectful attitude, was just, had a good report of the Jews (v 22), yet lost.

         E.     Cornelius spoke in tongues, having received the gift of the Holy Spirit, yet lost.

III.   WHAT ARE THE WORDS CORNELIUS HAD TO HEAR?

         A.     All men must fear God and work righteousness (Acts 10:35, cp. Rom. 1:16, 17).

         B.     Cornelius must acknowledge Jesus.

         C.     Peter emphasized obedience to God in baptism (Acts 10:47, 48).

IV.   WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

         A.     “Is goodness good enough for salvation?”

         B.     “Is Jesus the only way?” (Acts 4:12; 1Ti 2:5-6; 1Jo 5:11-12; John 14:6).

CONCLUSION: Which stance correctly represents the Lord’s theology? Faith only, or being good? We learn from Cornelius that neither position is biblical.