DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOD-CONSCIOUSNESS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – GOD-CONSCIOUSNESS

"Then Peter opened his mouth and said: 'In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – that word you know, which was proclaimed through all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism of which John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.' " (Acts 10:34-38)

It is apparent from the text that this Roman centurion who was stationed in Caesarea, was aware of the life an ministry of the Lord Jesus. Peter said, "You know that word which was proclaimed through all Judea." He knew about Jesus but had never accepted the Messiah for himself. Perhaps he felt that it was a Jewish religion, reserved for the Jews, and that as a Roman he was not included. It was not until Peter came to his house and told him that "whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins" (vs. 43) that he understood that this message was for "whoever" – everyone who puts their faith in Jesus.

The Gospel is for everyone. All peoples of all nations of all ethnic backgrounds are included in this invitation to believe and receive forgiveness of sins. It is true that some people seem to be more inclined to faith in God than others. For whatever reason, some people have more God-consciousness than other people. This centurion had this God-awareness. All he needed was someone like Peter to explain to him God's plan of salvation.

The statement that "whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" does not mean that everyone who does good works are saved. Peter himself preached, "There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). No one is made acceptable to God by their "works of righteousness" (Titus 3:5). Then how do we understand this?

The Lord Jesus answered this question for us when He said, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (John 6:29). There is only one work that makes us acceptable to God and that is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is belief in Christ's work that saves us – not our own works of righteousness. Cornelius believed, and so do I.

Love, Dad