Union Church of Christ

Acts 10:1, 2

Introduction

1. Text.
2. No religious system has a greater following or is more widespread.
   1. It crosses denominational lines - it is even seen sometimes in the church.
   2. Idea - man is saved by a good moral life without obedience to the gospel or being a member of the church.
3. What does the Bible say?
   1. John 8:32.
   2. John 17:17.
   3. Whatever the Bible says is true and right.

Discussion

1. The Case of Cornelius - Acts 10 & 11
   1. The Character of Cornelius.
      1. Acts 10:1, 2.
         1. Devout - a reverent attitude.
         2. Feared God - a Gentile who acknowledged the true God.
         3. Gave alms - benevolent to those in need.
         4. Prayed to God alway.
      2. Acts 10:22 - this in spite of the Jews' hatred for the Romans.
   2. The Condition of Cornelius.
      1. Acts 11:13, 14.
      2. If Cornelius was in need of being saved, then he was LOST!
      3. How can a person be morally good and still be lost?
         1. Good by man's standard as opposed to God's standard.
         2. His condition is our condition.
         3. Romans 3:10, 23.
      4. Here is why morality alone will not save.
   3. The Conversion of Cornelius.
      1. Acts 11:13, 14.
      2. James 1:21.
      3. Peter's sermon - Acts 10:34-48.
         1. Verse 34, 35.
         2. Note: "worketh righteousness" must be more than being a good moral person - Cornelius was that already!
         3. Note the purpose of the Holy Spirit falling on them - 10:44, 45; 11:15-18.
         4. 10:47, 48.
      4. Cornelius was saved by Peter's words, not his own morality.
      5. Acts 15:11.
2. The Call for Morality
   1. We cannot deny that the Bible teaches the need for moral goodness.
   2. We must not be deceived into thinking that virtue and purity is unimportant.
   3. Matthew 5:8
   4. Hebrews 12:14
   5. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10
   6. Galatians 5:19-21
3. The Consequences of Morality Alone
   1. Christ's mission is meaningless.
      1. Luke 2:10, 11
      2. Matthew 1:21.
      3. John 14:6.
      4. Acts 4:12.
      5. What about Hindus, etc. and Modernists who live moral lives? Atheists?
   2. Christ's blood is without benefit.
      1. Hebrews 9:22.
      2. Matthew 26:28
      3. Hebrews 2:9
      4. Revelation 1:5
      5. 1 John 1:7
   3. Faith is fruitless.
      1. Hebrews 11:6.
      2. John 8:24.
      3. John 3:16.
      4. Acts 16:31.
   4. Obedience is omitted.
      1. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
      2. Hebrews 5:8, 9.
      3. John 3:3, 5
      4. Galatians 3:26, 27

Conclusion

1. Morality is important, even necessary, but morality alone will not save.
2. Just like Cornelius, we must be converted to Christ.
3. A child of God must live a moral life to be saved, but morality alone will not make you a child of God.