THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS AND OF APOSTLE PAUL

THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS 
AND OF APOSTLE PAUL

“RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST, not religion or church, is all a person needs to attain everlasting life.”  This is the common view of salvation and service to God of people today who are heavily influenced by the faith-alone concept of salvation.  After all, they add, it is not the Church but Christ who saves; it was not the Church but Christ who died on the cross to redeem the sinners.  Therefore, it is not the Church that we need but Christ, they conclude.

For the dangers this and other similar beliefs pose, it is necessary to investigate them in the light of the teaching of the Gospel.  Two instances in the New Testament are useful in disabusing the mind from a tendentious attitude against church membership—the case of the conversion of Cornelius and that of Apostle Paul.

THE CASE OF CORNELIUS

Cornelius, the centurion or captain of an Italian regiment mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, possessed the qualities usually claimed by those who think that they can serve God directly without affiliating with any religious organization and that they can be religious without necessarily joining any religion.

“He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshiped God. He also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God.” (Acts 10:2, Today’s English Version)

In spite of these qualities, Cornelius was instructed by God through an angel that in order for his prayers to be answered he was to send for Simon Peter, so that he could hear what the apostle of Christ had to say (Acts 10:22).  What was in that Cornelius must hear from Apostle Peter?  In Acts 11:13-14, it is written:

“He told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, 'Send someone to Joppa for a man whose full name is Simon Peter.  He will speak words to you by which you and all your family will be saved.'” (Ibid.)

All those things that Cornelius was doing—worshiping God, doing works of charity, and praying to God, which are undoubtedly religious deeds—were not sufficient for him to attain salvation.  He had yet to hear, together with his family, the words by which they would be saved.  Those words they had to hear from one of God’s messengers, Apostle Peter:

“While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his message.” (Acts 10:44, Ibid.)

Then, true to the injunction of the Lord Jesus Christ to “go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all mankind” and whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk. 16:15-16), Apostle Peter “ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:48).  They were baptized into the one body (I Cor. 12:13), which is the Church of Christ:

“He is the head of his body, the church, ….” (Col. 1:18, Ibid.)

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).

Therefore, Cornelius and his family were brought into the Church of Christ.  This was done in order for them to be saved, because it is the Church that Christ will save:

“For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body.” (Eph. 5:23, TEV)

The Church is important not because it can save us, but because it is that which Christ will save.  It should not be taken to mean, however, that membership in any church will do, but rather only in the true Church of Christ.

THE CONVERSION OF APOSTLE PAUL

The case of the conversion of Apostle Paul is also highly instructive, particularly to those who try to evade the issue of Church membership by saying that they already belong to a religion, are already conversant with the laws and commandments of God, serving Him in all zealousness, and leading a holy life—by their own standard, of course.

Before his conversion into the Church of Christ, Apostle Paul possessed all these and more.  Says he, in Acts 22:3:

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here in Jerusalem as a student of Gamaliel. I received strict instruction in the Law of our ancestors and was just as dedicated to God as are all of you who are here today.” (Ibid.)

So, Apostle Paul belonged to a particular religion prior to his conversion.  And he was not just a nominal member.  In Galatians 1:13, he says:

“You have been told how I used to live when I was devoted to the Jewish religion, how I persecuted without mercy the church of God and did my best to destroy it.” (Ibid.)

He further testified that when he was still a member of Judaism, “As far as a person can be righteous by obeying the commands of the Law, I was without fault” (Philip. 3:6, Ibid.).  He was knowledgeable about the laws and statues of his religion.  From the perception of Paul prior to his conversion, he was rendering services to God.  In fact, so dedicated was he in his former religion that he was intolerant of other beliefs.  He persecuted the Church without mercy and did his best to destroy it (Gal. 1:13, Ibid.).

But Paul conversion came eventually, dramatically, and stunningly.  In a fit of a strong religious intolerance, he set out to arrest the members of the Church, which he persecuted with murderous zeal (Acts 9:1-2, Ibid.)  He was on his way to give bent to his prejudice against the Church when his conversion took place:

“As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?"

“"Who are you, Lord?" he asked. "I am Jesus, whom you persecute," the voice said.” (Acts 9:3-5, Ibid.)

It could be argued that Paul was persecuting the Church, not Christ who was then already in heaven.  But as far as Christ is concerned whatever harm is done to His Church is also harm done to Him.  To persecute the Church is to persecute Christ because the Church is His body.

The Church is Christ’s bride.  Paul, then already a servant of the Church, says:

“I am jealous for you, just as God is; you are like a pure virgin whom I have promised in marriage to one man only, Christ himself.” (II Cor. 11:2, Ibid.)

How then could anybody say that the Church is not important, that membership in it is not necessary, and that all a person needs is relationship with Christ?  It is the Church which has relationship with Christ by virtue of its being Christ’s body and Christ’s bride.  The providential relationship between the husband and wife was used by Apostle Paul to illustrate the great truth concerning the relationship between Christ and His Church. He says:

“As the scripture says, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one."  There is a deep secret truth revealed in this scripture, which I understand as applying to Christ and the church.” (Eph. 5:31-32, Ibid.)

Therefore, sneering at the Church, and preaching against the necessity of membership in it mean failure to understand the truth revealed in this Scripture.  Fortunately, anyone can still avail of the benefits of church membership if, taking the cue from the Apostle Paul’s conversion, he also comes to realize the importance of membership in the true Church and act accordingly.

How did Apostle Paul view his conversion, and where was he brought to upon believing and accepting Christ as his Lord?  In I Timothy 1:12, Paul says:

“I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve him”

And where did God place the apostles who were given the right to serve?  I Corinthians 12:28, states:  “In the church God has put all in place:  in the first place apostles …” (Ibid.)

Prior to Paul’s conversion to the Church of Christ, he was already ardently serving God.  Obviously his services then were not acceptable to God, for why should he be called to the Church if his services in his former religion already were?  Calling him to serve God in the Church would then be superfluous, wouldn’t it?  But Paul was called so that he could serve God in a manner acceptable to Him.

Apostle Paul was able to serve God properly and acceptably by becoming a member of the true Church of Christ because it is that which Christ has purchased by His blood (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).  By so shedding His blood to cleanse the Church, it is Christ’s Church that obtains the right to serve God (Heb. 9:14).

Therefore, joining the true Church of Christ is necessary in order to obtain the right to serve God and to be saved.*

PAMPHLET/PASUGO GOD’S MESSAGE/SEPTEMBER 2001/PAGES 21-22

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The Modern-day Cornelius

The Modern-day Cornelius

By Dennis C. Lovendino

God’s Message

April 2010

pp. 28-30

John Doe is a quintessential family man—a faithful and devoted husband, a good provider and role model for his children.  At work, he is diligent and conscientious.  Everyone—from his boss and office mates down to the parking attendant—has something nice to say about him.  He pays Uncle Sam his taxes regularly, and has no criminal record whatsoever.  Nay, not even a parking ticket.  On weekends, he takes his family to the place of worship, gives tithes generously, and still has something to spare for his favorite charity.  What a good man John Doe is!  Almost saintly, in the eyes of his adorning friends and relatives.

     In fact, many people today may hastily deduce that such a good person as John Doe has all but secured for himself a place in heaven.  For if someone like him will not be saved and not go to heaven—they point out—then who else will?

The first-century Cornelius

John Doe’s outstanding character traits resemble those of a New Testament figure named Cornelius, a captain of a Roman Army regiment.

     Cornelius' conversion to Christianity has been chronicled in the Acts of the Apostles serves one relevant purpose:  to debunk the claim and mistaken belief of some people that simply being “good” and “religious”—traits that our fictional character John Doe exhibits—is enough for one to be guaranteed an entrance into the pearly gates of heaven.

A man of sterling qualities

How was Cornelius portrayed by Luke, the writer of the book of Acts?  This was recorded:

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.” (Acts 10:1-2, NKJV).  In other translations, Cornelius was described as “a very religious man” (Contemporary English Version), “good” (Easy-to-Read Version), “righteous” (Lamsa Translation), and “a man of piety” (Living Oracles New Translation).  To sum it all up, this man—at least by human standards—is one, who, without question, is qualified for a sure spot in heaven.

     Looking around us, we can find a number of people—among our friends, kin and acquaintances—who may exhibit the sterling qualities of Cornelius.  Indeed, even in these evil, decadent times, it is exhilarating to know that there are still plenty of people out there who lead generally clean, decent lives, are law-abiding citizens, and who, by nature, can be considered good and even pious.  In other words, many a person can be considered a modern-day Cornelius.  Some people, casting aside all modesty, may even regard themselves as such.

Not by our own standards

We must bear in mind, however, that people have divergent perceptions and interpretations of what is “good.”  What a particular society, culture or group accepts as good may be anathema to another.  And inasmuch as the final judge of what is good is none other than the Creator Himself, let us consult the Bible on this matter.  This is what Apostle Paul pronounced:

“Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” (Rom. 7:12, NKJV).

     What is good, therefore, before God’s eyes is His law or commandment and obedience to it, as prescribed in the gospel.  In truth, the gospel itself is God’s power to salvation (Rom. 1:16).  Hence, regardless of an individual’s seemingly outstanding qualities, his failure to submit to and comply with the gospel will deprive him of the cherished salvation and life everlasting.

A heavenly directive to Cornelius

How was it proven that Cornelius’ commendable traits were simply not enough for him to be counted worthy of salvation?  Let us return to where we left off:  “He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.  And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:   He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.” (Acts 10:3-6, Ibid).

     Taking into account Cornelius’ righteous deeds, God sent an angel to Cornelius with a clear message:  to summon Simon Peter, the apostle, who would “tell him what [he] must do.”  It must be stressed that the angel did NOT tell him, “Cornelius, your good works have earned for you salvation and eternal life.  Keep them up and your reward is guaranteed.  You need not do anything else.”  On the contrary, the angel made it clear that although God was pleased with Cornelius’ good works, he needed to be told what he must do by a preacher of the gospel.

The need to be in fellowship

With the messenger

Why was Cornelius commanded to send for Apostle Peter?  Because it is God’s messengers—like Simon Peter—who speak His words and were given the authority to preach the Good News (John 3:34; Rom. 10:15).  It is also to the messengers that the word and ministry of reconciliation had been entrusted (II Cor. 5:18-20).  Who needs reconciliation with whom?  Man, whose wicked works caused his separation from God and his being regarded as His enemy (Isa. 59:2; Col. 1:21), needs to be reconciled with his Creator.  Otherwise, man is accountable to pay the wages of sin which is death in the lake of fire (Rom. 6:23; Rev. 20:14).  Hence, for man to be absolved from the burden, it is absolutely necessary for him to return and be reconciled with God (Mal. 3:7).  And that reconciliation can only be administered by God’s messengers who were entrusted to preach the gospel.

Cornelius became

a true Christian

The rest of the book of Acts recounts how Cornelius, in compliance with the heavenly instruction, sent for Apostle Peter.  The latter, who earlier received a vision from God telling him not to hesitate to accept Cornelius who was non-Jewish (Acts 10:10-16, 28), gladly obliged to the request and traveled from Joppa to Caesarea—a good 30-mile journey.  There, Apostle Peter taught Cornelius and his household the word of God and in the process, they received the Holy Spirit.  Afterwards, they were baptized and became bona fide Christians (Acts 10:34-48).

Where true Christians

Are gathered

The process by which Cornelius became a Christian was in compliance t the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ:  “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned’” (Mark 16:15, NKJV).

     As clearly mandated by the Savior, those who are to receive baptism must first listen to and believe in the gospel.  That was why despite Cornelius’ supposed “good” works, he was still instructed to see an authorized preacher of the gospel in the person of Apostle peter.  Those who received baptism are being gathered in one body, as Apostle Paul enunciated:  “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (I Cor. 12:13, Ibid).  The body being referred to is the Church headed by Christ (Col. 1:18) and, being His body, is called the Church of Christ:  “Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).

A wake up call

Many an individual today exhibits the endearing traits of the Roman Centurion Cornelius.  May his story serve as a wake up call to everyone that the traits of being “good” and being “religious” still fall short of the requirements for salvation.  John and his ilk should take notice, too. *****

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Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind. 
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