YBible Thoughts Y December 13, 1998
Cornelius was a searcher for truth. He knew enough about the ways of God to pray to the Lord because he "feared God." He instructed and guided his household; he was liberal in assisting others in their physical needs. Cornelius was not a Christian. A good person; a caring person; a responsible person; but he had never obeyed the gospel of Christ.
Cornelius was a religious person, but he was not a Christian. Many of our day would look upon him as a "saved" person. Such moral behavior, such conscientious actions, and such proper guidance for his family would have assured his entrance into heaven in the eyes of some folks. However, Cornelius was not saved.
His religion was manifest in several ways, including the offering of prayers to God. In fact, Luke points out that he "prayed to God always." An alien sinner who possessed greater conviction than some who would be called Christians in our day. If ever there lived one who could be acceptable to God without obedience to the truth, Cornelius was such a man. But he was not obedient!
Praying to God without obeying the truth is not the path for salvation in the present. In fact, it was not even the path under the Law of Moses. Proverbs 28:9: "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination." The writer further pointed out, "He heareth the prayer of the righteous"(Proverbs 16:29).
Under the law of Christ, he extends the privilege of prayer to those who are Christians. All instructions about who is to pray and how to pray addresses those who are disciples of Christ. Prayer to the Father is granted to His children. Paul addressed the brethren at Thessalonica in this
manner: "Pray without ceasing"(I Thessalonians 5:17). Following the example of the Master, the apostles prayed and they taught the disciples to pray, as well. Prayer becomes an integral part of the disciples' life, not just at services, but in everyday living.
Cornelius demonstrated an interest in following the will of God by his manner of life and his desire to pray to the God that made him. Such traits will always lead one to follow the will of the Creator in all areas of one's life. This seeking for the truth led this Centurion to have an open heart to the truth. When Peter arrived, he spake unto this Roman soldier the words of the gospel. He did not instruct him to continue praying until he "got through," but upon Cornelius(and his household) receiving the truth, obeyed his Lord completely by hearing, believing, repenting(giving up his former beliefs and accepting truth) and being baptized(Acts 10:48). Paul would point out that each person obeying the gospel would also confess "unto salvation"(Romans 10:10). Having completed his obedience, this former Gentile is now a Christian and enjoys the privilege of prayer each moment of his life.
Does not the Bible say that God heard this sinner's prayer? In Acts 10:30, as Cornelius recounts his earlier experience when one in "bright apparel" stood before him, Cornelius is told "thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God"(v. 31). God was aware of his prayers and his acts of mercy, but nothing is said about what he asked for in that prayer. It does not say that he answered the requests of his prayer. Cornelius' search for the truth led him to accepting the truth proclaimed by the apostle. This conversion through the gospel taught by Peter would become the evidence for the early disciples(who were Jews) to learn that Jesus' gospel is for all of mankind and not just the Hebrews.
It takes more than prayer for one to become a Christian. The plan set forth in the gospel is the pattern for the salvation of the alien. Even after becoming a Christian, and enjoying the full benefits of prayer, it is not enough just to pray. One must not only pray in a penitent manner, but show the fruits of that repentance by a changed behavior.
The world puts much stock in just praying. Praying, by itself, will not justify a sinner; praying, by itself, will not cleanse a disciple of sin. For the alien, there must be submission to the plan of salvation. For the disciple, there must be repentance and fruits of repentance. One may be sorry that he/she got caught and suffer remorse, but not be willing to correct the error and follow through with a changed life. Some may even try to justify their actions or explain away misconduct using worldly reasoning(and words) for justification. When Simon the former sorcerer tried to buy the "power" granted by God to the apostles with money, he was rebuked and told to repent and pray(Acts 8). The reaction of Simon was immediate: "Pray ye for me to the Lord." No excuses and no hesitancy as he desired to live a righteous life that was free of sin. Prayer alone was not enough; he had to change his behavior.
Prayer is a privilege of saints. It should be used daily to face the challenges of life. It should be used in every service to express thanksgiving and praise to the God that made each of us. A praying people become a stronger people. Prayer can change things; prayer without works will not avail. As we pray, let each of us determine in our hearts that we will live in such a manner that our requests will be honored by the God we address in our petitions.
"In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God"(Philippians 4:6).