What does the Bible actually say about Cornelius?

[Just_a_Christian]

Many people mistakenly use the conversion of Cornelius as indication that a person is saved by faith only and or that baptism is unnecessary. A careful study of Acts 10 will show otherwise. 1st we find Cornelius is a good man without reproach. A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. (2) And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. (22) Acts 10:2,22 Cornelius had a vision where an angel of the Lord appeared to him indicating there was something he needed to do. Although Cornelius apparently had much faith and was a godly man and despite this he was lost, yet needing to hear the words which Peter would give him.
He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. - Acts 10:6 Cornelius upon hearing the angel, immediately gathered trusted men in oder to seek Peter. It is worth noting that just as Abraham did just as God instructed, Cornelius did likewise. Approximately at the same time Cornelius was having his vision, Peter had the vision where he was told to eat meats that were considered to be unclean but he was unable to determine the actual meaning. While Peter was pondering the meaning, the men sent from Cornelius arrived seeking Peter. Peter and some of the Christians from Joppa accompanied him to meet Cornelius in Caesarea which was about a one day journey. Upon arrival there were a number of people that had joined Cornelius to hear the important words that Peter had for Cornelius. Peter and Cornelius exchanged their visions and Peter shortly began preaching the word of Jesus to all present. 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.To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. - Acts 10:42-43 Peter was obeying the Lord's final command to his apostles. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. - Mark 16:15-16 While Peter was yet speaking the Holy Ghost fell upon Cornelius and the others as a sign to all present that they, the Gentiles, were also included in the plan of salvation. Just as the Holy Ghost also fell on those on the day of pentecost. Jesus had promised the Comforter would come and guide them unto all righteousness. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 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. - Acts 10:44-45 When this happened Peter and the Christians which came with him knew that the Gentiles were to be included, salvation through Christ Jesus had also came to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were then baptized for the forgiveness of their prior sins and God added them to the body of Christ.
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. - Acts 10:47-48
Thus agreeing with the holy scriptures. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins - Acts 2:38 God does not change, He is the same God as He was in the Old Testament; it is His way or the highway, if you will. He has set forth the plan of salvation and we either accept it and obey Him or we don't. The Old Testament is not what we are to go by relating to salvation but is for our learning. God had commanded that no one was to touch the ark of the covenant.
And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. - 1 Chronicles 13:9-10
Wanting the Bible to mean something other than it says doesn't change even one letter of the Bible. When God said he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, He meant it, baptism is absolutely essential to salvation.
Baptism only, God forbid.
Faith, repentance, confession, baptism and faithful living till the end.
God requires man to obey Him, period.
In Him

 

[Jonaitis]

The dying thief never did see Paradise, I suppose.

Wait! Then, all the saints in the Old Testament died as well without being baptized

 

[Just_a_Christian]

The dying thief never did see Paradise, I suppose.

Wait! Then, all the saints in the Old Testament died as well without being baptized

Thief on the cross died under the old law, nevertheless, Christ being DIETY was able to forgive sins, which he did on multiple occasions. You bring up a good point, what about all those in the Old Testament???? Hmm, let's consult God's word on that.

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;And did all eat the same spiritual meat;And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. - 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
In Him

 

[Just_a_Christian]

Please read before posting that I am advocating a "works" based salvation OR that I'm attempting to "earn" my way to heaven. Obedience is doing what one is told. There are two types of works discussed in the New Testament, works as in trying to live your life by the Old Law, which is impossible, not to attempt but to be successful at such. The 2nd is good works we should do as Christians such as feeding the hungry and clothing those who are in need. Baptism falls under obedience and besides that God is the one doing, He is forgiving and adding to the body.
See the following:
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”So the Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this black mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled out by the roots and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.“Would any one of you say to your slave who comes in from the field after plowing or shepherding sheep, ‘Come at once and sit down for a meal’?Won’t the master instead say to him, ‘Get my dinner ready, and make yourself ready to serve me while I eat and drink. Then you may eat and drink’?He won’t thank the slave because he did what he was told, will he?So you too, when you have done everything you were commanded to do, should say, ‘We are slaves undeserving of special praise; we have only done what was our duty.’” - Luke 17:5-10
In Him