Featured What is the difference between Cornelius and the rich young ruler?

Neither were righteous by their works. Cornelius was not drawn into the Kingdom by his good works. Cornelius already had faith in the Promised One. He just needed to hear that the Promised One had come and Peter needed to understand that the Promised One had come to redeem people from every nation, tribe and tongue.

 

God chooses individuals for salvation by reason of crediting their FAITH (not works) as righteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

 

Are you arguing for it ? some other Calvinist.are as well. Cornelius was already a worshiper of God. His faith is seen when he heeded the angel and sent for Peter. Those who can't see his faith there are excited about the possibility of another path to Christ.
MB

 

He is the example of the "God fearing: Gentile who knew about God, but needed to hear the Gospel to be able to get saved and know Him!

 

God chose Cornelius for salvation according to His will and not by his good works.

 

You do realize that such faith is a holy gift from God which is by its very nature righteous... don't you?

 

"Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?"

I've no doubt the works of both showed that both were regenerate, but for some reason Christ required the rich young man to sell all and become a disciple to which the young man balked.

 

The works versus faith is between something earned versus an undeserved gift. And faith regardless of its source cannot be regarded as any kind of merit in any way.

 

Since you have made that fictitious claim before, why not address the rebuttal?

 

Do you believe that faith is a holy gift from God which is by its very nature righteous?

Or do you believe faith comes from man and God views man's faith as righteousness?

 

Asked and answered multiple times before, and therefore the biblical answer is unchallenged, and the fiction of the Gift of Faith remains a fiction.

God chooses individuals for salvation by reason of crediting their FAITH (not works) as righteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

 

Centain facts in the conversion of Cornelius are not taken into account.

Firstly, that he was a "godly" man, because he was "God-fearing", and did "worship" the One True God of the Bible.

Secondly, the account in Acts 10 does refer to his "good deeds", as in verse 2, "He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly"

Thirdly, when he was visited by the angel, he was told, "The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God" (verse 4)

Fourthly, when Peter inquired about him, he was told "Cornelius the centurion has sent us,” they said. “He is a righteous and God-fearing man with a good reputation among the whole Jewish nation" (verse 22). His "good character" is mentioned.

Fifthly, in verse 35 Peter clearly says, "But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him."

Sixthly, we read in Acts 11:14, that Peter was sent to Cornelius, with the Gospel Message so that he and his house-hold could get saved, "He will convey to you a message by which you and all your household will be saved"

WHY would any of Cornelius' "good works to the poor" even be mentioned, if they are not in any way "regarded" by the Lord? As it does say that these "works of righteousness" are "accepted" by the Lord! We also have Cornelius' "good reputation", which was no doubt also because of his "giving", that is referred to. This is what the Word of God very clearly teaches.

While the "good works" done by Cornelius could not actually "save" him, they did somehow bear a "good report" with the Lord, Who sent Peter with the Gospel to save him and his house-hold.

I most certainly do NOT believe in a "works salvation", but admit that this chapter in Acts is not easy, though some pretend that they understand it!

 

Does it say anywhere in the accounts about the "Rich Young Ruler", that he was either "God-fearing", or a "worshipper of God"? NO! Neither did this person, "give much to the poor". So both accounts are completely different.

 

You are deflecting and not answering.

Do you believe that faith is a holy gift from God which is by its very nature righteous?

Or do you believe faith comes from man and God views man's faith as righteousness?

Since you call it "their" faith, it can be surmised that you believe faith comes from man and God views man's faith as righteous. You therefore negate the Holy Spirit, lift up human effort and make salvation a merit based system.

Your teaching is false and you misuse and abuse 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

 

I don't believe in good works either. I went back and read the story over and over Cornelius was praying when he had that vision. It does not say what he was praying for it could have been guidance. The reason I believe it was is because this is exactly what he got when Peter showed up.He wasn't saved until he heard the gospel.I know when I pray i'm often asking for guidance.. It's what he needed most.

For me the rich young ruler loved his possessions more than Christ Not to mention He thought he was great bragging he had kept the Law. In the story he doesn't show any humility but instead is proud like the publican did Bragging about how good he was, and the other man just asked for mercy.

MB

 

can you not read or understand? the rich man did NOT fear or worship God, which is what Cornelius did, who also prayed to the Lord. THIS is the difference.