This message was preached on the Acts 10 due to this being a 5th Sunday, CPC topically does chapter by chapter through the confession grounded in a scripture text. So we will return to 1 Peter 4. Next week.

A brief word on expositional preaching and note the headings of WCF 23. We ordinarily preach systematically through books of Scripture so God sets the agenda, not us. This guards against hobbyhorses, unfolds the whole counsel of God, keeps Christ central, and matures the church by steady, in context, Spirit-applied truth. Occasional topical sermons ensure we address necessary doctrines and issues regularly.

Since this is not a Sunday school lesson I will not address word by word WCF 23. I am sending an audio lecture out that does this by Dr. Ligon Duncan.

Read Acts 10:1-2, 22

A Few things #1 Meet Cornelius (v.1-2, 22).#2 The Goodness of God’s Common Grace – Good Government is a Blessing (WCF 23 Overview).#3. The Limits of Common Grace — Cornelius Still Needs the Gospel (v. 30-33).#4. The Gospel Proclaimed — Christ as Lord and Judge (Acts 10:34–43)#5. The Spirit Falls — True Salvation in Christ (Acts 10:44–48)Lets meet our civil magistrate (our government guy), Cornelius the God-Fearer

Cornelius is an example of what WCF 23:1 affirms: that God establishes rulers and civil order to “maintain piety, justice, and peace”(further citing Rom. 13:1–4; 1 Pet. 2:13–14).

Cornelius as a Roman centurion is

Like a Ships Cpt. A County Sherriff with 80 deputies. Or think of places like Okinawa post-war where military and policing were closely overlapped.

So Cornelius is a key government official, a civil magistrate.

He is like another centurion who in Matthew 8:9–10 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” [10] When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. (ESV)

Cornelius is described as “a devout man who feared God… gave alms generously… prayed continually to God”(Acts 10:1–2).

He is “well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation” (v. 22).

So he is fairly easy to like. But for Christians, we should note

…we honor even the government we do not like. See David and Saul. David honored Saul as king despite Sauls wickedness [NOTE: Spear throwing…twice] and so it repeats throughout the bible.

Pharaoh — honored by Joseph. Pharaoh himself was a pagan ruler, yet Joseph honored him as the one through whom God provided to save many lives.

Nebuchadnezzar — served by Daniel which is cited by the WCF Daniel 2:37 (ESV): “You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory…

Later, Daniel continues to serve under successors (Dan. 6), while remaining faithful to God.

He served through different presidential administrations we could say…And in one term old Chad was crazy for 7yrs of it.

But I am interested in Cornelius because I think we can most deeply identify with him here in Western Virginia, where we have many god-fearing spiritual people who are not followers of Christ. But maybe deists like Thomas Jefferson, they like the idea of Jesus generally, we want a little bible, and as we see just because a man donates money to religion, prays, and is loved by his community Acts 10 quite clearly shows they still need Jesus …A full turning from sin to Jesus. That is to say,

A person can be deeply moral, socially beneficial, and even reverent toward God – And yet, it is only a skin-deep morality, not measuring up when it comes to the transcendent, Holy God. They can still be outside of Christ.

Jesus is still, the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through him.

#2. The Goodness of God’s Common Grace: Good Government is a blessing (WCF 23.1–2)

WCF 23.1: God ordains magistrates to be “under God, for His glory and the public good” — punishing evil and encouraging good (Rom. 13:1–4).

Cornelius embodies this: he is a just man, serving the empire, protecting order. His generosity and justice are real blessings to the community.

This is what Paul affirms in Athens: “He made from one man every nation… having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God” (Acts 17:26–27).

Application: We should honor rulers and thank God for the order and justice they provide, even when imperfect.

GI Williamson summarizes 7 points from WCF 23.1,2,4 that should help us understand what honoring rulers means. paragraphs 1,2, and 4.

God has ordained civil government on earth, (1 Peter 2:13-17; Rom. 13:1-7)

Not just the governments we like, our party being in power. For example from our passage today we may say we like Cornelius, yay a good guy…But Paul and Peter write these things when Nero is Caeser…Jesus says render unto Caesar when Tiberius was Caeser. Not exactly a Christian leader.

SO “God has ordained civil government on earth” even when the Ruler is a pagan.

“God has ordained civil government on earth” and Christians have submitted to emperors, kings, senators, democracies etc….But regardless of the form the government takes (and some are better than others).

Now we may pray for better governments. And we may in an American context vote for better governments. Presbyterians were essential in forming the constitutional system that allows for such representative elected officials in our country. Remember an American constitutional republic and Presbyterianism are two sides of the same coin.

So we must pray1) For officials who show wisdom in regard to good and evil,2) People who will vote for such people, and3) Know this can only come through a spiritual revival and special work of the Holy Spirit in both redemption and a resurgence of common grace wisdom to all.

George Washington said, Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

(2) The purpose of it is God’s glory and our good, (right promote the good and restrain evil all of which is defined ultimately by God as the Good, the true, and the beautiful and we can know much of this by the light of nature as Ps. 19 & Rom. 1 teaches us…) Cornelius was a GOOD Centurion. And he didn’t have the Holy Spirit and he seems to only have some partial OT influence from being a friend of the Synagogue. V. 22 “well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation” (3) God has given to civil officers the power of the sword, - The Church holds the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven / The State restrains evil with lawful police or military power in Just wars as a last resort. Cornelius is in “The Italian Cohort – he is a Soldier-Sheriff-Captain. He was generous and kind to the people.

This is similar to another Centurion who in Luke 7:3ff comes to Jesus asking for healing for his servant and he is vouched for by the Jewish Elders. “they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, [5] for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”

Not a Christian yet, but he is better respected than the dishonest tax-collectors, than it even sounds like King Herod or other officials.

So there are multiple places where an unbelieving, but by God’s common grace “good” man. Blesses people with his rule in the community.

Application – Do we not have that today, certainly, we have Christian officials we love (We can have Christian officials who are not particularly wise or helpful as well), but while we can suffer under wicked or foolish governors and officials. We often are blessed that God has established government and we are praying for a wise yet unbelieving man. And that official is meant to wield the sword to restrain violence, chaos, and wrongdoing. Perhaps even immoral vices, as they carefully consider local regulations.

God ordained, 2) for his glory and our good 3) for the sword.

(4) Christians may lawfully hold civil office and exercise the power of the sword upon just and necessary occasions, (John the Baptist told soldiers to no longer be corrupt when they converted. He didn’t tell them to cease being soldiers).

(5) that Christians are required by God to honor this ordinance and to pray for and be subject to those who lawfully use the office of civil government,

(6) that this duty is not exempted because of difference in religion, [So we honor and obey unbelieving even pagan rulers if they are bit utterly tyrranical]

(7) that the pope of Rome does not have any right to civil power. – [The Church should not try to wield civil power).

Ok that’s the thousand-foot view of 23.1,2, and 4.

Back to Cornelius.

[1] At Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, [2] a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. [3] About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” [4] And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. [5] And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. [6] He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” [7] When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, [8] and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

[9] The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. [10] And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance [11] and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. [12] In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. [13] And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” [14] But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” [15] And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” [16] This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

God is no respector of persons. The Church and gospel goes to all tribes, and times and nations, and we see here the ceremonial law is repealed, and there is a simpleness to the church that allows it to go to every tribe, tongue, and nation. As the bible is translated, and people worship Jesus around the world. And this chapter shows this expanding and Peter is amazed at it. And he is going to a man he previously may have liked, respected, but would never have eaten with, would never had said oh I need to tell him about Jesus.

Look in V. 17-28.

[17] Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate [18] and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. [19] And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. [20] Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” [21] And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” [22] And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” [23] So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. [24] And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. [25] When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. [26] But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” [27] And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. [28] And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, [ Insert explain 24-28: Cornelius knows there is something Peter has to say that he and all his family needs…God is showing Peter that he intends the gospel for Everyone. And we are culminating what the entire Old Testament has been leading to: The messiah is going to bring the nations into the family of God.]

V. 28b...but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. [29] So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

Here is where we move from thinking about how great a Centurion this man is. He, like all of us, need a greater thing than merely good governance. That is a blessing, but there is a greater and a higher blessing we need than to have a good political situation…

#3. The Limits of Common Grace — Cornelius Still Needs the Gospel. (Acts 10:30–33).

[30] And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing [31] and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. …v..32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ [33] So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

Despite all his virtues, Cornelius receives a message from God: “Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter”(10:5).

His prayers and alms “ascended as a memorial before God” (10:4), but they were not enough to save him.

WCF 23 does not teach salvation through moral order or government, but insists magistrates serve only a temporary and limited earthly role; salvation belongs to Christ alone. Why do we need more than this?

Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Cornelius’ story proves the need for gospel proclamation, even to the most upright citizen.

He is a good Centurion.

He seems to pray to god generally every day.

But he doesn’t have Jesus.

He may be trusting in his prayers. He may be trusting in how good a Centurion he is. He may be trusting in the fact his family likes him. His neighbors like him.

He may have a religious bumper sticker. WWJD.

He may listen to family-friendly music on the radio, and can say my grandmother went to church.

But there they are gathered with Peter Who standing there a little embarrassed and hesitant to say it…

Aren’t we embarrassed to say to our good almost-Christian neighbors…that they are dead in their trespasses in sins and they need to take their sins to Jesus in sorrow for the wrong and the hurt and the offense to the Just and living God of the universe.

If you searched Cornelius’ heart there is still plenty of violation of God’s good and just standards to condemn him as in some way harming humans made in God’s image and himself having lived as his own autonomous little God

Jonathan Edwards - “The smallest sin has infinite demerit, because it is against an infinite God… Nothing short of the righteousness of Christ can answer its guilt.”— Miscellanies, no. 339

John Owen “There is no death of sin without the death of Christ… There is no pardon of sin without the blood of Christ.”

There are only two ways that God’s justice can be satisfied with respect to your sin. Either you satisfy it or Christ satisfies it. You can satisfy it by being banished from God’s presence forever. Or you can accept the satisfaction that Jesus Christ has made.” - R.C. Sproul

Right now Cornelius has not yet looked outside of himself to satisfy God.

So #3. The Limits of Common Grace — Cornelius Still Needs the Gospel

[#4] Look in v. 34 We need point #4. The Gospel Proclaimed — Christ as Lord and Judge (Acts 10:34–43)

Peter takes a deep breath and looks into the eyes of all these wonderful neighbors and says, v. 34

“Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), [37] you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: [38] how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. [39] And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, [40] but God, But God, raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses [the apostles. Who to a man either died or were exiled for this truth],[those apostles] who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. [42] And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. [43] To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

The state bears the sword (Rom. 13:4), but only Christ saves sinners. The state restrains evil; Christ redeems souls.

#5. The Spirit Falls — True Salvation in Christ (Acts 10:44–48)

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles (44-48).

[44] While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word [belief comes from hearing the Apostolic Message. Which we now have with the death of the apostles in the finished word the bible].

v.45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. [46] For they were hearing them speaking in tongues [languages] and extolling God. Then Peter declared, [47] “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” [48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.[To remain to disciple them and teach them the more completely about Christ and salvation in him.]

As Peter preaches, the Spirit falls on Cornelius and his household. All true believers are brought into the family of God by being born again and made alive by Holy Spirit who in the new covenant fills his people and produces in them the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not just for the Super Christians. And we see Pentecost in Jerusalem and Here as UNIQUE events the bible told us to expect.

Now ordinarily all believers receive the Spirit when they are first brought into the family of God.

God continues to save by the Word of the Gospel Preached and the Spirit changes hearts, uniting us to Christ.

They are baptized into Christ, showing that Faith in Jesus — not morality or civic good — is the true door to God’s kingdom.

Faith not in faith. But in Christ Jesus’ death on the cross for YOU.

They Respond in Faith.

They Publicly profess this faith. And are joyfully and fully brought into the church and visibly signed and sealed as members of the covenant of grace by Baptism

Peter goes back and reports on them being added to the church.

Once again we are not to delay responding to the Gospel, for the day of salvation is always Today…if you say maybe, or tomorrow, it may be never. For you do not know the day or hour of your death.

Our neighbors may be “good” citizens, admired and upright – Even the best government leaders— but without Christ, they remain lost. We must hold together respect for their civic good and boldness in evangelism.

Pray: Thank you lord for the good gifts of government and not just chaos and anarchy. But Lord we know they cannot save. Lord I pray that each of us would embrace or be renewed in our trust in the gospel to save. Like Cornelius Lord we need Christ to cover our sins, and to be filled by your Spirit. Bless us as we love our neighbors and give us opportunities to speak of Christ to them. In Jesus Name Amen.

Benediction

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