Response to a Reader’s Questions

“The topic you discuss today is more complex than a simple black/white description.” writes a reader regarding yesterdays post–“Is Just Following Your Conscience Good Enough for God?”

The reader then makes a sincere request.  “As a “teacher” please tell us your perspective of Cornelius (before his vision from God to contact Peter). Also, “teach” us about OT Scripture where God’s Word tells us about God imparting “conscience” to non-Jews that didn’t have the teachings of Moses to follow.”

“My question is not “questioning” the “authority” of the Good News (which I believe in 100%),” as he further comments.  “Scripture tells us there is a big difference to God between a Cornelius (prior to Peter) and lets say, a Hitler. I think this is what Pope Francis is trying to communicate — that no matter what you believe, Christ’s 2nd most important command is universal. Scripture clearly tells us that all souls, BOTH saved and unsaved are going to be judged on our actions here on earth. I just don’t believe (although no man knows what will really happen for eternity) that a person like Cornelius (pre Peter) will be in the same place as a Hitler — unless you believe in Calvinism? (as I understand it).”

I believe the reader is sincere in his request.  So, I will do my best to provide some succinct answers.

         1. I agree that not everything is black and white to us.  The shades of gray we see may be due to our lack of understanding.  Our preconceived ideas.  Or the fact that God has not told us everything to satisfy our curiosity.  Indeed, “the secret things belong to God” (Deut 29:29)

         2. The case of Cornelius (Acts 10) teaches that  one can be a good person, yet unsaved.  He was devout.  God-fearing. Prayerful.  And generous.  The angel said his prayers had come up as “a memorial before God.”  Then ordered him to send for Peter and “he will tell you what you must do.”

When Peter arrived, he preached the gospel of Christ.  Cornelius believed.  And was baptized.  The entire sequence of events shows that Cornelius was a sincere seeker of Truth.  And when he learned the truth, he obeyed.  Jesus said, “Seek and you will find.”  Cornelius did.

That is far different than one who rejects God.  Denies Jesus.  And refuses to accept Truth.  Instead choosing to be guided by the opinions of their conscience.

3. The reference the “conscience of non-Jews in the Old testament” stems from Romans 1 and 2.  This text teaches that God has given us evidence to know there is a Supreme Being.  Indeed He has put “eternity in our hearts” (Eccl. 3:11).  And while I can’t specifically know the will of God through nature, I can intuitively feel a sense of “ought.”  God made man a spiritual being.

When the Gentiles rejected God.  They plunged into moral degeneracy.  Paul describes their depraved thinking.  Their vile passions. Their shameful acts. He demonstrates the fact our conscience can become seared.  However, not all Gentiles descended into the moral abyss.  Some, even in the Old Testament, accepted God and sought a relationship with Him.

That was an era when revelation was incomplete.  God’s plan was still unfolding.  Grace and truth had not yet appeared in the person of Jesus.  Today, we live in a different dispensation (Col. 2:11-15).  And God will justly judge each of those accordingly.

4. Are there differences between a Cornelius and a Hitler?  Absolutely! Cornelius was a seeker who came to Christ.  Hitler was a vicious murderer.  So, are there degrees of punishment and reward?  I don’t know.  Some believe Jesus indicated such when he said, “And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.  But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few” (Lk 12:47-48)

5. I don’t know what the Pope was trying to say.  I just know what he did say!

6. No, I don’t believe in Calvinism!

         7. And yes, we will be judged by the gospel according our deeds (2 Cor. 5:10).

As for me, I urge our readers, to accept Jesus Christ as Lord.  He is the way. The truth.  And the life.  Only through Him do we have access to God.  The revelation of His Word is absolute Truth.  And I know of no other way that I can honestly preach and teach than “Christ and Him crucified.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman