Acts 10:1-2 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

 

Much of the Church today believes that a person who does good deeds, helps the poor, gives to his church, and is sincere in his faith is saved and will go to Heaven when he dies. Some denominations are teaching that all paths of faith lead to Heaven and that all gods are basically the same god. This is the view that supports Universalism in the world today. The goal is for everyone to belong to one religion, have one government and use one currency, worldwide. The problem is, all paths DO NOT lead to Heaven and all gods are not God.

 

As we study Cornelius we find that he was a good man; a public servant. He was devout in his faith and feared God. He led his household in this manner. He gave generously to the poor and he prayed to God always. In verse 3 we read that he received a visitation from an Angel who even knew his name! About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an Angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

 

Cornelius could be compared to modern-day hard-working man who serves his community and provides for his family whom he prays with on a regular basis. He takes his family to church every time the doors are opened, where they faithfully tithe and all serve on various committees. At times he hears from God and sees visions. It all sounds so good and wholesome. Cornelius’ life sounded good too, but what does the Bible say?

 

As we read on we find that the Angel directed Cornelius to send for Peter, which he did the very next day. At the same time, the Lord gave Peter a vision that at the time he did not understand, but he soon would. God had a job for Peter to do which was for him to preach the Gospel to Cornelius and his family even though they were Gentiles. (Acts 10:9-16)

 

Peter went with the men back to Cornelius’ house and shared the Gospel of Christ with the whole household. (Acts 10:34-43) The Holy Spirit fell on all of them and they were all saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit. After which, provision was made for them to be baptized in water. (Acts 10:44-48)

 

Although Cornelius and his family were good people who sincerely practiced their religion, they were not saved. All their good works, faithful prayers, and dedication to their church did not bring salvation. Even though Cornelius saw an Angel who knew him by name, he was not saved. Only faith in Jesus Christ brings salvation. It was true then and it is true today.

 

All the talk today about religions leading to Heaven and that all gods are the same is a lie straight from the pit of Hell! All paths DO NOT LEAD TO HEAVEN. All gods ARE NOT the God of the Bible. And, all the good works in the world will not bring about Salvation.

 

Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14 Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. But narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

 

The Gospel of Christ will……..turn the tide

 

On the narrow road,               Doreen

 

www.bettsministries.org