Acts 10 - Cornelius - Question

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

Hi Righteousness,

Remission of Sins = Regenerated

You left out Acts 10:43: "To him all the prophets give testimony, that by his name all receive remission of sins , who believe in him.

Hi back, LaGrange. You can just call me “Right,” as in “Right you are.” Most just call me RT.

Yes, that passage also refers to believing, but seems to place the remission of sins at the point of that believing. So, we’re still at hearing and believing.

 

[unprofitable]

Cornelius was not a lost alienated sinner but was a proselyte and already under the old covenant teachings.

He already knew of the promises given to Abraham and his seed thru Isaac. He knew of the promise of Messiah and the baptism of John along with peace by Jesus Christ (Acts 10:34-43) Verse 37 say; "That word, I say, YE KNOW." Cornelius needed to hear that the Christ of which he HAD HEARD had come, was crucified, and was risen.

The coming down of the Holy Spirit upon his household was the verification and beginning fulfillment of the promise that the Gentile nations would be gathered into the kingdom of God where they would partake of the priesthood and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit in power showed this to Peter. (Ephesians 3:1-13)

He had guidance of the Holy Spirit under the old covenant which is why he was devout and did righteous works before the events of Acts.

The manifestation of the Holy Spirit in power also showed Peter that since the Gentiles were partakers (Eph 3:6) then they were to be baptized into the New Covenant. Cornelius and his household were formed into a body of Christ where there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, but ye ALL are one in Christ. (Gal 3:28)

 

[MrW]

Hi 37818,

Rom 10:16 But all do not obey the gospel. For Isaias saith: Lord, who hath believed our report?

“Hearing” doesn’t automatically mean you are saved. “Faith then cometh by hearing” (Rom 10:17), however, in context, the previous verse (v16) and the following verses say the Jews heard and refused. So, “Hearing” must include “Obedience” (Rom 1:5,Rom 16:26). They ALL heard but some did not obey. (Also see John 3:36 - “Believeth Not” means not to Obey) I would say that you must “hear” and “obey what you hear” and how do you do that? Peter preached, “To him all the prophets give testimony, that by his name all receive remission of sins, who believe in him.” (Acts 10:43) Peter preached that remission of sins comes through Baptism (by His Name) so you do like Cornelius did in Acts 10 and obey Peter’s command: “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they desired him to tarry with them some days.” (Acts 10:48)

Oh goodness! Church of Christ false teaching!

 

[robycop3]

I believe Corny was already a worshipper of God. How he came to be, Scripture doesn't say.
Acts 10:10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

God chose to have Peter proclaim Jesus to him, & at the same time, show Peter that gentiles were precious in His sight, as well as Jews, and remind Peter that HE declared things to be kosher or non-kosher as He chose. Corny & co. believed Peter's words because an angel had come to Corny, telling him to send for Peter. As for Peter, God showed him thru His vision of the sheet full of non-kosher animals that it was OK for him to enter a gentile's home, a thing that was anathema to Jews at that time.

 

[37818]

. . . and “Invoke His Name” for remission of sins.

The name all the prophets use was God's Name. What form? The Hebrew prophets used God's Hebrew Name.
Isaiah 43:10-11. Deuteronomy 18:19. 1 John 5:9-13.

 

[LaGrange]

Oh goodness! Church of Christ false teaching!

How so?

 

[LaGrange]

Hi back, LaGrange. You can just call me “Right,” as in “Right you are.” Most just call me RT.

Yes, that passage also refers to believing, but seems to place the remission of sins at the point of that believing. So, we’re still at hearing and believing.

Hi RT,

I think you ought to read post #18. Maybe you could comment on it. Then we can talk.

 

[LaGrange]

Hi back, LaGrange. You can just call me “Right,” as in “Right you are.” Most just call me RT.

Yes, that passage also refers to believing, but seems to place the remission of sins at the point of that believing. So, we’re still at hearing and believing.

Hi RT,

One more thing. Getting back to my original question: when and how was Cornelius regenerated? I think I know the “How”. You would say by hearing and believing. How about WHEN?

 

[canadyjd]

I believe Corny was already a worshipper of God. How he came to be, Scripture doesn't say.
Acts 10:10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always….

Cornelius is called a “God-Fearer”. This is a technical term among Jews to identify Gentiles that had converted to Judaism.

He worshipped God according to the OT Law.

In reference to the OP, the passages does not specifically address “when” he was regenerated.

The purpose of the passage, as someone else explained, was to give evidence the gospel would go to the Gentiles instead of remaining within Judaism.

There are other passages that explain regeneration as a work of God Holy Spirit, John 3 among them.

peace to you

 

[MrW]

How so?

1. Hear the Gospel. (Romans 10:17, John 8:32)
2. Believe the Gospel (Hebrews 11:6, John 20:31)
3. Repent of past sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30)
4. Confess faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:10, Matthew 10:32)
5. Be Baptized (Galatians 3:27, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)
6. Be faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10)

They think you’re lost without water baptism, but the only baptism that saves is 1 Corinthians 12:13, and that’s not water.

 

[Dave G]

Was Cornelius regenerated by Faith Alone? Water Baptism? or maybe some other means?

" But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. " ( Titus 3:4-7 ).

 

[MrW]

Water Baptism does not save. One is baptized in water because they ARE saved.

 

[LaGrange]

To all those who answered,

I’ll answer each of you as soon as I can. There are many good thoughts here. Thanks!

 

[LaGrange]

The name all the prophets use was God's Name. What form? The Hebrew prophets used God's Hebrew Name.
Isaiah 43:10-11. Deuteronomy 18:19. 1 John 5:9-13.

Hi 37818,

My Comment: I think what you are saying is that the Old Testament prophets did things “In God’s Name”. Sure but very specifically in Acts 10:43 and Acts 2:38, the invoking of God’s Name is used directly in connection with Baptism. Just as Christ said to do in Matt 28:19, “ Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” I showed this in post #18. To answer you about God’s Name being used for other things than Baptism, I agree. Matter of fact, all of our sacraments are done “In the Name of Christ” or “In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost”. It is never done in the name of the priest who performs the rite. By the way, when it says “in His name” in 1 John 5:13, it just means that there is no salvation under any other name than in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). Is 43:10-11 - I don’t see what you are saying about using God’s name here. Deut 18:19 - this has to do with a prophet speaking “in the Name” of God. This doesn’t take away from baptism being done invoking the Name of The Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

 

[LaGrange]

Cornelius was not a lost alienated sinner but was a proselyte and already under the old covenant teachings.

My Comment: Are you saying Cornelius was regenerated before Peter came to preach and baptize him?

He already knew of the promises given to Abraham and his seed thru Isaac. He knew of the promise of Messiah and the baptism of John along with peace by Jesus Christ (Acts 10:34-43) Verse 37 say; "That word, I say, YE KNOW."

My Comment: It’s true that Cornelius knew these things and all the Jews, in general, knew too (Acts 2) but they weren’t all saved. Knowing is not enough. Matter of fact, many of the Jews mocked those at Pentecost (Acts 2:13-25). In Acts 2 it was a similiar process as in Acts 10. It was the Jews in Acts 2 and the gentiles in Acts 10. Peter preached to the Jews (Acts 2:14-36) and then the Jews asked what they needed to do (Acts 2:37) and then he said in Acts 2:38, “…Peter said to them: Do penance: and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The DRV uses “penance” instead of “repent” which the KJV uses. “Penance” includes repentance, prayers, almsgiving and fasting. If you notice in Acts 10:4, Cornelius was praying and giving alms which is included under “Penance”. Acts 2:38 is very clear about Baptism. It says “Baptize… IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, for the remission of sins (regeneration)”. Same as in Titus 3:5, “Not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration and renovation of the Holy Ghost. Notice: It says “He saved us”. How? By the “Laver of regeneration”. The “Laver of regeneration” is Water Baptism. A Laver is used to pour water. This is the same pattern as in Acts 10. Peter preaches to Cornelius and then he “commands” them to be Baptized (Acts 10:48) and receive remission of sins (Acts 10:43).

Cornelius needed to hear that the Christ of which he HAD HEARD had come, was crucified, and was risen.

The coming down of the Holy Spirit upon his household was the verification and beginning fulfillment of the promise that the Gentile nations would be gathered into the kingdom of God where they would partake of the priesthood and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit in power showed this to Peter. (Ephesians 3:1-13)

My Comment: I agree Cornelius needed to hear Peter preach on Christ. Then you say the “Holy Spirit upon his household was the verification and beginning fulfillment of the promise that the Gentile nations would be gathered into the kingdom of God where they would partake of the priesthood and guidance of the Holy Spirit”. Ok but you are not saying whether this is when Cornelius was regenerated. It looks like you are saying he was already regenerated before Acts 10. When was he regenerated? That was basically my original question along with how was he regenerated?

 

[LaGrange]

I believe Corny was already a worshipper of God. How he came to be, Scripture doesn't say.

My Comment: So you are saying he was regenerated but there was no way to know that? So I guess each of us just decides whether another person is regenerated? You are judging based on someone’s outward actions.

Acts 10:10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

God chose to have Peter proclaim Jesus to him, & at the same time, show Peter that gentiles were precious in His sight, as well as Jews, and remind Peter that HE declared things to be kosher or non-kosher as He chose. Corny & co. believed Peter's words because an angel had come to Corny, telling him to send for Peter. As for Peter, God showed him thru His vision of the sheet full of non-kosher animals that it was OK for him to enter a gentile's home, a thing that was anathema to Jews at that time.

My Comment: I agree but this doesn’t answer my question of how Cornelius was regenerated. I know what you said at the beginning when you said “scripture doesn’t say”.

 

[LaGrange]

" But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. " ( Titus 3:4-7 ).

Right - Baptism!

 

[LaGrange]

1. Hear the Gospel. (Romans 10:17, John 8:32)
2. Believe the Gospel (Hebrews 11:6, John 20:31)
3. Repent of past sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30)
4. Confess faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:10, Matthew 10:32)
5. Be Baptized (Galatians 3:27, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)
6. Be faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10)

They think you’re lost without water baptism, but the only baptism that saves is 1 Corinthians 12:13, and that’s not water.

My Comment: 1-4 are all things you need to do before being baptized. Your list is right but Baptism is where you receive regeneration, not before. 1-4 are are part of preparation. Preparation is “teaching” in Matt 28:19. Remember Matt 28:19, “Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Even preparation is done in God’s Grace but it is Actual grace, not sanctifying grace. Like many would say “ God does it all”. There is nothing you can do to acquire the grace of justification before justification. God does it all in Baptism!” This is why we baptize infants. Number 6 is perseverance. I agree.

You quote 1 Cor 12:13 to say water baptism does not save. This verse doesn’t have anything to do with the question of Water Baptism. This is saying that after you are baptized, you receive the Gifts and the Gifts are used as instruments of salvation. That’s all. Are you saying “all of the above” is baptism?

 

[LaGrange]

" But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. " ( Titus 3:4-7 ).

Hi DaveG,

Long time no see! Good to hear from you. I thought I would say a little more on this. We believe we are justified by His grace too and that there is nothing we can do to acquire the grace of justification before justification. We don’t believe you can earn your justification. Do you believe that? If you do, please show me where we teach that from an exact official source. I’m not saying you do but you did underline “not by works…”. The KJV says “made heirs” whereas the DRV says “be heirs”. Strong’s says it means to “become or take place” (#1096) So it means to “become heirs” or being an heir “takes place”. The word has actually a long range of meanings. What it doesn’t mean is that you are elected automatically to glory. I thought I would throw that in.

 

[LaGrange]

Cornelius is called a “God-Fearer”. This is a technical term among Jews to identify Gentiles that had converted to Judaism.

He worshipped God according to the OT Law.

In reference to the OP, the passages does not specifically address “when” he was regenerated.

The purpose of the passage, as someone else explained, was to give evidence the gospel would go to the Gentiles instead of remaining within Judaism.

There are other passages that explain regeneration as a work of God Holy Spirit, John 3 among them.

peace to you

I understand this view and I’ll say more directly on this when I put my big post on that I didn’t put on up front like I usually do. It’s about a post and a half. Not too long. I wanted you to know I read and thought about your post. Thanks!