Many Christians think that the Holy Spirit begins His work only after a person is saved. Would the Spirit agree?
“All Scripture is inspired” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Holy Spirit is involved in your search for God, providing service through angels (Hebrews 1:14).
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation— having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, who is a first installment of our inheritance, regarding the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Spirit is your seal proving that you belong to God.
Merely thinking about Jesus cannot fulfill your need to repent of sin and obey God’s plan of salvation!
In Acts 10, a leader in Rome’s army is instructed by an angel of God to send for the apostle Peter. He was to visit Cornelius and tell the gospel message. Gentiles hadn’t yet heard God’s gospel. Up until that time, only Jews were accepted. Please read about this event in your own Bible.
Cornelius’ conversion to Christianity was unique, becoming the turning point for all people having God’s salvation invitation. Cornelius’ responsive heart opened up the opportunity of forgiveness of sin for all! The early church needed God’s sign of proof. Cornelius’ good deeds and devotions could not save! Being religious without Jesus cannot save!
Peter’s rooftop vision, along with God’s explanation, is the message of God’s New Covenant extended to all people.
When the messengers sent by Cornelius spoke to Peter, they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and hear a message from you” (Acts 10:22).
Cornelius still had to hear a message from Peter. Upon his arrival at Cornelius’ house, Peter addressed the gathering of friends and family who were eager to hear his message. He preached the Good News of freedom from sins.
The amazing reaction by God Himself was the same as when Jesus’ first disciples received the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13; 10:44-48).
Peter had already told believers how to receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:37-38). God has not changed that specific plan of forgiveness since He revealed it 2,000 years ago!
Peter told Cornelius that same message, and then ordered them to be immersed! (Acts 10:34-48).
The Holy Spirit inspired the message. God’s Spirit reveals His plan!