By Faith

In a world often driven by performance and achievement, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking our relationship with God operates on the same principles. We may find ourselves believing that salvation is something we earn through good deeds, strict adherence to religious practices, or by belonging to the "right" group. But what if true salvation is simpler – and simultaneously more profound – than we've been led to believe?

The story of Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10 challenges our preconceptions about who can be saved and how. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was described as a devout man who feared God, gave generously, and prayed continually. Yet, as a Gentile, he was considered an outsider to the Jewish faith. God, however, had other plans.

Through a series of divine interventions – visions given to both Cornelius and Peter – God orchestrated a meeting that would shatter long-held beliefs about salvation. Peter, steeped in Jewish tradition, initially struggled with the idea of associating with Gentiles. But God's message was clear: "What God has made clean, do not call common."

This powerful encounter reminds us that salvation is not about our righteousness or our ability to follow religious rules perfectly. It's about God's grace and our faith in Jesus Christ. As Peter declared to Cornelius and his household, "God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him."

The transformative power of this message extends far beyond the cultural divisions of the first century. It speaks to our modern tendency to create our own criteria for salvation or to add extra requirements to what God has already established. We might not be debating circumcision or dietary laws, but we often create our own litmus tests for "true" faith:

• "You can't be saved if you listen to secular music."
• "Real Christians don't get tattoos."
• "If you're not speaking in tongues, you're not truly saved."
• "Your political affiliation determines your spiritual status."

These well-intentioned but misguided beliefs create unnecessary barriers and misrepresent the heart of God. They turn the gospel of grace into a gospel of works, placing burdens on believers that God never intended them to carry.

The truth is, salvation was never about our ability to keep all the rules perfectly. Even in the Old Testament, the various laws and rituals were meant to point to the promise of Christ, not to be the means of salvation themselves. Jesus fulfilled both the moral and ritual aspects of the law, freeing us from the impossible task of earning our way to God.

This doesn't mean that how we live doesn't matter. But it does mean that our actions flow from our salvation, not towards it. We strive to live godly lives out of gratitude and love, not out of fear that one misstep will cost us our relationship with God.

The story of Peter and Cornelius beautifully illustrates how God breaks down the walls we build. Peter, despite his initial hesitation, obeyed God's leading and entered Cornelius's home. As he shared the gospel message, something remarkable happened – the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles, manifesting in speaking in tongues. This outward sign authenticated God's acceptance of the Gentiles without requiring them to first adopt Jewish practices.

This event was so significant that it amazed the Jewish believers present. It challenged their deeply held beliefs about who could be part of God's family and how. In that moment, they witnessed the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham – that through him, all nations would be blessed.

The implications of this story are profound for us today. It reminds us that:

1. Salvation is available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ, regardless of their background, past mistakes, or current struggles.
2. We cannot earn our salvation through good works or religious observances. It is a gift of God's grace, received by faith.
3. God often works in ways that challenge our preconceptions and comfort zones. We must be open to His leading, even when it goes against our cultural or religious traditions.
4. The power of transformation lies in the gospel message itself, not in our ability to present it perfectly or in the recipient's worthiness to hear it.
5. Our role is to faithfully share the good news and let the Holy Spirit do the work of conviction and transformation.

As we reflect on these truths, we're invited to examine our own hearts. Are there areas where we've added unnecessary requirements to salvation? Have we created dividing walls between "us" and "them" based on our own criteria rather than God's? Are we resting in Christ's finished work, or are we still trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts?

The gospel frees us from the exhausting cycle of trying to fix ourselves before coming to God. Like a house with foundational issues, no amount of superficial repairs can solve our deeper problem. Only by building our lives on the solid foundation of Christ's righteousness can we find true healing and transformation.

This message of salvation by faith alone is not a license for moral laxity. Rather, it's an invitation to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. When we truly grasp the magnitude of God's grace, it compels us to live lives of gratitude and obedience – not out of obligation, but out of love.

As we go about our daily lives, may we be ambassadors of this liberating truth. Let's break down barriers, extend grace to others as it has been extended to us, and confidently proclaim that salvation is available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. In doing so, we participate in God's ongoing work of reconciliation, bringing hope to a world desperately in need of good news.