Acts 2:21 And it came to pass that whosoever would call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

In the 10th Chapter of the Book of Acts, we are introduced to a man named Cornelius. This man was a Gentile who set the stage for millions of other Gentiles in the future, including you and me!

 

In Biblical times, a Gentile could become a Jew (by religion) if they went through the lengthy proselyte process of rituals and ceremonies and joined himself with all of Judaism. This was not an easy process, but some did it and as proselyte Jews, they were considered part of the Jewish community and one of God’s people.

 

Cornelius was a Roman and a man of great distinction and importance as he was a Centurion of the Italian Band. There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a Centurion of the band called the Italian Band. (Acts 10:1) This would make him somewhat of a Captain over a regiment of men. He gave the orders and the men under his command obeyed.

 

Cornelius was also a man of faith in God and sought after more than what the Romans had to offer which was faith in many man-made gods and idols. In his heart, Cornelius knew there was only one God and he wanted to serve Him. Cornelius was educated and he read the Jewish Scriptures and did what he could to practice the Jewish rites but he never went through the lengthy proselyte procedure and became a Jew. He believed in God and wanted to be one of God’s people but remain a Gentile at the same time. This was unheard of at that time, but God was about to turn the tide!

 

The Scriptures describe Cornelius as a generous, caring, and God-fearing man who led the members of his household in faith as well. 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) He lived a godly life and because of his seeking after the One True God, Cornelius would become the first included in the long list of those who Jesus referred to as “whosoever.” For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

 

Cornelius would break the mold. Prior to him, all believers were either Jews by birth or by the proselyte process. According to Jewish Law and tradition, no Gentile could be one of God’s people, but that was the Old Covenant. The Salvation of Cornelius would be evidence of the fact that one did not have to first become a proselyte Jew to be Saved.

 

Salvation has nothing to do with rituals, ceremonies, nationality, or works of any kind. We are Saved by Grace through Faith (Ephesians 2:8) in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary and it is open to whosoever will believe. (Acts 2:21) This is the New Covenant orchestrated by God and implemented by Jesus on the Cross. Hallelujah!

 

God will……….turn the tide……..in the life of whosoever believes.

 

Grateful to be among the whosoevers!         Doreen

 

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