One of the issues we will need to be reconciled to, as it pertains to the ways of God, is that He says what He means, and means what He says. In other words, when He gives us commands or instructions, He expects them to obeyed in entirety, for partial obedience is not accepted in His sight. Moses had found that out on the way back to Egypt, when he was stopped by a holy angel, for not circumcising his son, according to God’s instructions.
The children of Israel found that out too when they went out to gather the manna God had provided. At that time, it was instructed that they should gather one omer for one man, but because some of them were probably dieting, while some others may have thought it should be buffet style, some gathered more, and some gathered less. But their final tally sheds light on the importance of exact obedience. Let’s read:
Exodus 16:16 This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack.
Good intentions are no excuse for not following the instructions of God either, for if good intentions are not followed up with obedience, they are useless. When king Saul spared Agag and brought back the best of the sheep and the cattle, contrary to God’s express command, he offered what some describe as an excuse with good intentions, for he stated that his plan was to offer sacrifices to The Lord.
But as we read further in that narrative, we discover that God couldn’t accept him because any deviation from God’s express will is not acceptable to Him. He says what He means and we should do all within our power to comply with His instructions, because this is where faith and works converge. Indeed, partial obedience is one of the great flaws in contemporary Christianity. Let’s read:
1st Samuel 15:10 Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying,
11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments.
13 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord.
14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?
20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek.
21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal.
22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
The same issue of exact obedience surfaced when Paul met certain disciples who had been baptized unto John’s baptism. In this particular instance, they had actually obeyed to the best of their knowledge, because John was as kosher as you could get, but they were ignorant of Christ, and the Holy Ghost in the processes of conversion and salvation.
What happens next is an object lesson to us in how we too should comply with God’s instructions to us in any and all matters. After Paul explained to them clearly the requirements of God, they obeyed, and the rest is history, for they then received the gift of the Holy Ghost, not before. Let’s read:
Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them.
This leads us to our case study involving a man by the name of Cornelius, who according to God’s own testimony was doing everything right, as far as he knew. He was benevolent on a consistent basis, he was always praying, and he was devout, meaning that he was living according to righteous principles and laws, to the best of his ability. In addition, he used to invite his friends, neighbors, and family to listen to God’s word. Let’s read:
Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.
24 And Cornelius had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
But there was something Cornelius needed to do in addition to all these good things, and God saw it fit to send an angel from heaven to make him aware of that one missing link. God had approved of what he had been doing so far, for it was being done from the heart, in sincerity, but even sincerity does not make void God’s instructions. Therefore, he is to be informed as to the missing link. Let’s read:
Acts 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming into him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
This is a very high rating given to Cornelius, by the estimation of God, for if one’s prayers and deeds are memorialized before God, then it means that not only is he accepted in God’s sight, but that he has gone over and beyond the call of duty. There is one important issue however, which Cornelius does not know about, and if he would be saved in God’s kingdom, he will need to obey everything that God has required.
God who is rich in mercy, and who winks in times of genuine ignorance, would not leave a single stone un-turned with Cornelius, of which he is not aware. In other words, there is only one more piece to the puzzle that must be put in place, so that Cornelius would be in perfect compliance with instructions in given by God, pertaining to salvation.
Was he doing the right thing previously, and was he accepted by God? The answer is yes, for the Bible says so. However, doing the right thing, and being accepted by God does not release any person from complete obedience. Therefore, Cornelius would be directed to Peter, who will inform him of what he must do. Let’s read:
Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter.
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou ought to do.
7 And when the angel which spoke unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
We notice in verses seven and eight that Cornelius hurried to obey the angel’s instructions, because no sooner had the angel left, than he commissioned a retinue to depart for Joppa. When God speaks to us, or instructs us in a certain course of action, it is of the utmost importance that we hasten to obey, for delay and hesitation can lead to questioning, and questions can lead to doubt, and doubt can lead to noncompliance.
One of the most successful snares of the devil is to tempt us to put off for tomorrow that which should be done today. He tempts us with procrastination on a host of issues, ranging from diet, and exercise, to paying of debt. Very many people who put off an exercise regimen for the 1st of January, when New year’s resolutions are made, stumble and retreat only after a few months.
In many cases, this phenomenon occurs because what should have been done today was put off for a future date. Hence the reason why the Holy Ghost says, “Today” if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, because when it comes to our salvation, today is always the right time.
God has set everything in motion to accommodate obedience on the part of Cornelius. Peter is warned not to call what God hath cleansed unclean, so, on the following day Peter himself hastens to obey, for delay can derail God’s plan for Cornelius. Let’s read:
Acts 10:23 And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did, whom they slew and hanged on a tree.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 That through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
God had sent Peter for two main reasons: [1] To let Cornelius know of Jesus Christ the Savior. And [2] To baptize Cornelius, for he was already accepted by God, and was doing the works of righteousness. The missing link in the golden chain of obedience was baptism, for even though Cornelius was born of the Spirit previously, he needed to be born of water, in accordance with the teachings and instructions of Jesus. Let’s read:
John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Now, it is true that there are many persons who will be saved who had never had the opportunity to be baptized, and many others will be in God’s kingdom who only got sprinkled, for that is all they knew. The times of ignorance and lack of opportunity God will wink at, but all those who have the opportunity to be baptized should do so without delay, for even though the baptism of Jesus stands for all who did not have a chance to do so, yet it’s necessary for us to follow in His footsteps. Let’s read:
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
The tenor of the Bible pertaining to our salvation is to seize the moment whilst the door of opportunity is still open. In all of God’s gracious overtures, and calls to service, immediate action is to be observed. This pattern can be seen in too many instances for us to reach any other conclusion. Let’s read:
2nd Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Matthew 4: 18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
22 And they immediately left the ship and their father and followed him.
Acts 10:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 16: 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
The jailor, and his household were baptized after only one Bible study, for they saw the need to seize the golden opportunity without delay. Therefore, if anyone has believed in God, and may have heard the word; if any like Cornelius has been praying to God always and has been doing genuine works of righteousness from the heart;
If, like Cornelius, some may have been inviting one’s friends and neighbors to hear God’s word, but have not been baptized yet, let them not hesitate, for it is the will of God that His Holy Spirit be poured out in copious measure upon all who would believe, and be baptized. We thus close with an exhortation coming from God, to whomever it may apply. Let’s read:
Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold
the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;
15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
God bless!