Ephesians 2:8-9 For by Grace you have been saved through faith and not of yourselves. It is the Gift of God, not by works, lest anyone should boast.
The 10th Chapter of the Book of Acts introduces us to a man named Cornelius. As we discussed yesterday, he was a Gentile of Roman descent and a high-ranking Centurion. Cornelius was a good man who loved God, prayed, and gave money to the poor. A devout man, and one who feared God with all his house which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. (Acts 10:2)
Cornelius did all the right things but none of those things warranted his Salvation. Unfortunately, much of the “church” falls into this same category today. This man wanted to be counted as one of God’s people so he did everything he knew to do. As we break down this Verse that describes Cornelius we find the description of many people who profess to be Christians today.
A devout man, This means Cornelius was a reverent man who was respectful and a law-abiding citizen. He devoted his life to doing what was right and good. While all this is commendable, none of it would warrant his Salvation.
...and one who feared God with all his house... Cornelius studied the Torah and the writings of the Prophets because he wanted to be a good man. He did all he could to be faithful to the Jewish teachings and he feared God. He not only did this himself, but he also insisted that his family be this way too! In the eyes of the world, Cornelius was a good man but all his faithfulness and attempt at being good would not warrant his Salvation.
...gave much alms to the people, Cornelius was a wealthy man who was generous and helped the poor. He gave to those in need and were less fortunate, but all his given money did not warrant his Salvation.
...prayed to God always. Cornelius was a praying man. He believed in God and faithfully prayed to Him. However, these prayers (Jewish prayers) would not warrant his Salvation.
Although Cornelius was a good, generous, praying, God-fearing, law-abiding citizen who led his family in doing what was right, he was not Saved. Why? Because no one can work their way to Salvation. Everything Cornelius did, although good and right, would not warrant his Salvation because For by Grace you have been saved through faith and not of yourselves. It is the Gift of God, not by works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Unfortunately, there are thousands of people (if not more) today who are just like Cornelius. They try hard to be good and do what is right. They lead their family by example by praying and going to Church every Sunday. They give of their time and money to the Church and those less fortunate than themselves BUT if their faith is not based on belief in the Finished Work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary, they are not Saved.
I once heard a Preacher say, “There are a lot of very good people in Hell.” No one can work their way to Salvation. It is the FREE GIFT OF GOD to whosoever will believe in the Finished Work of Christ on the Cross. Faith in Christ Crucified is the ONLY way to Salvation. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)
Faith in Christ Crucified will……..….turn the tide……….in your life.
My faith is in His Finished Work on the Cross. Doreen
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