“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” – John 3:7 (KJV)
Sometimes, there are those who are described by others as “godly” or “god-fearing” even though they are not born again.
In Acts 10, we find a most interesting case of conversion — the conversion of Cornelius, a very “godly” man. In fact, the Bible says he was “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” (Acts 10:2 -KJV). What a description!
He was benevolent, liberal, and “god-fearing,” consistent, and persistent in his prayer life. He was a just man – Acts 10:22. He even saw visions: “He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him…” (Acts 10:3). Yet, he was not saved; he was not born again. An angel had to tell him, “…send men to Joppa and call for one Simon…he will tell thee what thou oughtest to do.” – Acts 10:5-6.
Jesus spoke “in no uncertain terms” when he spoke to Nicodemus, saying, “Ye must be born again.” He did not say if you are “god-fearing,” it is okay. He used the term “born again” to express the necessity for man’s spiritual rebirth. Sometimes, we encounter people like Cornelius. They have a good reputation and good moral character, but being endorsed by man does not merit God’s salvation.
This is why the Gospel is preached. It’s about Christ Jesus. It is not about what you have done or what you have not done. It is about Christ and what He has done for you, which, if you accept was enough, then salvation is yours. The Bible says, “And by Him (Jesus) all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:39).
In case you are a ‘modern-day’ Cornelius, hearing or reading this today, you need to receive words by which you can be saved. Those words are in Romans 10:9, “…if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” This is the only way to receive salvation, and it’s by the grace of God.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I am forever grateful for the salvation of my soul. Having confessed with my mouth the Lord Jesus and believed in my heart that You raised Him from the dead, I pray for the unsaved in my family, among my friends, my neighbours, and around the world, that the light of Your glorious Gospel shine in their hearts for Salvation, in Jesus’s name, Amen.
Read: Mark 8:36-37; John 3:3
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 71:1-8; Acts 4:1-22; 2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12
