UNIVERSAL STATUS OF SALVATION
March 21, 2025
TEXT: Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (Acts 10:34)
The Bible passage from which our text is taken talks about the case of Cornelius, a centurion and a moralist who had no knowledge of the person of Christ. The apostles, and indeed the elders among them who formed the circumcision group, were not pleased with any of them mingling with the Gentiles. (Acts 11:2). Even Apostle Peter himself almost fell victim to this discrimination through the trance that he saw at Joppa, but God had already ordained that the Gentiles would be saved.
The case of Cornelius demonstrated the universal nature of the gospel. God is not a discriminator. His arms are ever open to receive all and sundry. Jesus Christ came for the sick and not the healthy. He stated that those who are healthy are not in need of any physician. It therefore beggared belief that even the followers of Christ, who were prominent participants in the earthly ministry of Christ or who, at least, had heard enough about it, could decide to sideline unbelievers.
Even after Peter’s experience in Cornelius’ household, they chastised him for going in to the perceived “unbelievers”. Peter had to explain to them that the God who had shown them the light is also the same God who has extended the hands of salvation to the unbelievers, and that he could not have inhibited God from doing His work. When they heard this from Peter, they became calm and praised the Lord.
In summary, this teaches us that the assignment of the great commission must be spread everywhere, and it is not something that is meant to be restricted to a particular set of people.
SEARCHLIGHT: The free gift of salvation is available for all and sundry.
PRAYER: O Lord, help me to fulfil Your desire concerning the great commission, in the name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 17-19, 2 Corinthians 1
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
