That God Might be Glorified Through Us
A Different Kind of Prophetic Voice
Nothing is Impossible with God
The Fulfillment of Worthy Work
The American Standard of Living
Only That Which Is Given From Heaven
Human Efforts -- Human Results
“He [Cornelius] and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” Acts 10:2
If Cornelius and his whole family were so devout and lived such commendable lives, why would they possibly need anything more? Your Hindu or Buddhist neighbor may be more dedicated in her religion than you are in your Christianity. So what possible reason would there be for you to share Christ with her? Is it not presumptuous and arrogant to say to your highly spiritual friend that there is in fact a more excellent way?
One day at about three in the afternoon, Cornelius had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God who told him two things: his prayers and gifts to the poor had risen as a memorial offering before God; he was to send for a man named Peter, the disciple of Jesus. Apparently, Peter had something to share with Cornelius that would change his life. When Peter came to the home of Cornelius, he said this: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” He went on to share a bit about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and then concluded his remarks with these words: “He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the one whom God appointed a judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins in His Name.”
When Peter had finished speaking, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. They began to speak in tongues and praise God. Seeing that God had poured out the gift of His Spirit on these people, Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” (Acts 10)
The truth of any religion is not determined by the sincerity of its followers. Religions are either based upon factual reality or they are not. They may contain worthy teaching, solid ethics, and meaningful ritual; but that does not make them true. If it were the case that the earnestness of the adherents of a religion determined its veracity, then the followers of Christ would be sorely lacking. There are many people throughout the world’s religions who are often more devoted, kinder, more charitable, and often more ready to die for their beliefs than many of the world’s Christians.
Jesus Christ was not simply one among many exemplary religions leaders throughout history. His life, death, and resurrection affected a permanent change in the nature of humanity and its relationship with God. Many religious leaders have changed the world; Christ was the first born of an entirely new race of human being. This is a fact. The level to which people believe this reality and are devoted to it does not change its truthfulness. Christ is Lord of all. Whereas other religions have marvelous teachings as to how to live life, Christ made it possible to be a new creation, one restored into the divine image. When God sent the angel to Cornelius that day, it was to being him to the place where he could hear the unique message of salvation first entrusted to Israel and now embodied in the life of the Church. This mystery has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to His saints. (Colossians 1:26)
God didn’t speak to Cornelius to tell him that he was wrong. He sent him to Peter to complete him, not correct him. God has not given us the message of salvation in order to tell the world that it is wrong, but that in Christ the world might be made whole. Do we have the right, at a time where all the great religions are recognized on the world scene, where war threatens to shatter the globe, and where Christianity is largely seen as aligned with historic Western imperialism and right wing politics, to make any definitive claim as to the exclusivity of salvation in Christ alone? In this age of plurality, it is considered inappropriate and even dangerous to make statements about the absolute nature of a particular truth. But if it is in fact true that Christ was raised from the dead as the defining moment in human history, then we do not only have the right, but an obligation to share this truth with everyone everywhere. If it is true, then it is true for all.