Here is an argument which has raged among Christian writers and theologians for many years. The argument concerns one Cornelius, whom we may read about in the Book of Acts. The big question is: Just when was this man actually saved? Some see one's understanding of the Cornelius episode as a vital point of theological evaluation and comprehension indicating one's deepest perspective on grace and faith. The big question is: Can faith alone save? Or is a personal knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and full acceptance of that, absolutely necessary? Many, of course, would certainly state that both of these factors are vital. Yet still others may point out certain biblical examples which appear to show that spiritual knowledge is not necessarily salvific - or, to put it another way: the Bible never seems to teach that knowledge alone - plus acceptance of the full ramifications and implications of the precise form of any such knowledge - can ever save, or lead to spiritual salvation, even if that 'knowledge' should concern the precise period during which the Messiah walked this earth, or even the specific content of His message.
We might note that the Thief on the Cross certainly came to know and to perceive the identity of Jesus, but how much did that man really understand? He appeared to respond in faith to as much as he knew and that seemed to be considered sufficient. But did he possess a deep doctrinal and spiritual knowledge as to the plan of God and the full implications of the ministry of Jesus and why that ministry was so essential? Almost definitely not. One would surely be safe to conclude that the Thief on the Cross probably did not measure up in that deeper spiritual/doctrinal knowledge department, yet when he finally came to faith, that faith was plainly unaffected by this shortcoming.
Well that is probably already more than enough as an introduction. I will later attempt to draw some conclusions in this somewhat difficult doctrinal area, but, firstly, we need to take a much closer look at the relevant Scriptures.
We first learn of Cornelius in Acts 10:1. The reader is advised to open a Bible to the appropriate section. Apparently Cornelius was a centurion in the 'Italian Regiment,' but what we learn during the next few verses is that Cornelius was very devout. He was a firm believer in God, a man of prayer and of many charitable works; a truly fine and noble individual (verse 2). One day an Angel of the Lord is sent to Cornelius (verse 3), and this Angel carries an important message:
Please read the remainder of this article here.
Robin A. Brace, June 26th, 2009.
UK Apologetics
Museltof Countercult and Apologetics
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UK Apologetics(www.ukapologetics.net/)
A new site which we started developing from March, 2005. We have purchased this site space and this is now our main site. Even by April, 2006 this huge site contains almost 500 articles! (Update: In May, 2008 our site articles are closing-in on 900!) This has also become the top Apologetics resource in Europe in view of both its size and its huge number of 'hits.'
Witness to the Word (www.ukapologetics.net/witnessindex.htm) .
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Your Brother in Christ,
Robin A. Brace
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