“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
Cornelius was a devoted worshipper of God as well as a soldier commanding a group, made up of hundred soldiers. Cornelius and his entire house feared God; and despite he was known for alms giving and constant prayer to God, he and his household were never saved. As he was praying one afternoon around three o’ clock, the angel of God appeared to him in a vision. He told him to call for one Jesus’ disciple called Peter, to show him the way of salvation. Cornelius obeyed and sent two of his servants and a devout soldier to humbly bring Peter from Joppa into his house. Before the arrival of Peter into his house, Cornelius had invited his kinsmen and friends to join his household and listen to the message of salvation. They all gladly received the message of salvation and were baptized in the Holy Spirit “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word” Acts 10:44.
Just like Cornelius humbled himself and sought for the true salvation; God desires all non-Christians and moralists to seek after the true righteousness in Christ. The righteousness of religionists and moralists is like filthy rags in the sight of God. God would not have asked Cornelius to seek for the true righteousness in Christ had it been his self righteousness met His standard. Self righteousness does not save from sin, does not bring about purification of the heart, and does not offer provision for the baptism of the Holy Spirit which guides into all truth.
The wrath of God is upon all moralists who claim to be doing the will of God but reject the righteousness of Christ. The wrath of God is upon religious leaders and their members who claim to be worshipper of God but shun the righteousness offered by Christ Jesus. The wrath of God is upon all sinners who reject the call to seek after Christ and His salvation. The sad news is that all the good deeds of moralists, religionists and sinners will not qualify them for heaven but eternity in hell.
The Good News is that God loves you and does not want all your good deeds and worship to be in vain. He wants you to humble yourself and add to your good deeds the righteousness of Christ. God wants you to surrender your life to Jesus and make him you Lord and Saviour. Jesus is waiting for you now.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and for calling me unto Christ righteousness just like you called Cornelius. I am deeply sorry for many times I have rejected the message of salvation. Have mercy upon me and take away the spirit of pride from me. Save me, sanctify me, baptize me in the Holy Spirit and grant me the grace to grow daily in Christ’ righteousness in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
MORE GRACE TO CONTINUE IN NEW LIFE
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