Why did Cornelius receive the Holy Spirit before Water Baptism?

QUESTION:

Explain how Cornelius and the Gentiles had received the remission of sins by believing in Him as Peter said and received the Holy Ghost BEFORE water baptism.

I still say Peter did not preach another gospel as that gospel of the kingdom is the same gospel of grace as the gospel of the kingdom was never going to happen until after His death, resurrection and ascension as Jesus said to Nicodemus and again in John 6th chapter.

REPLY:

There are many types and shadows in the Bible. The life of Joseph has about 40 similarities to the life of Jesus. Abraham’s almost sacrifice of Isaac was a shadow of the crucifixion, etc, etc. God confirms His Word with events or happenings that depict Christ or that announces his will.

Before I get to Cornelius, consider what happened in the beginning of Paul’s ministry to herald the blinding of the Jews and a new dispensation of grace to the Gentiles without the need for Israel. Read Acts 13:6-12 and consider the blinding of Barjesus (who represented Israel, being blinded for a season).

More ignorance of rightly dividing the Word

QUESTION:

Paul contradicts himself saying even dead in sin your saved by grace then he says after knowing the truth if you sin there is no longer a sacrifice for sin. Why can't Bible thumpers see Paul's lies?

ANSWER:

You draw attention to this supposed contradiction because you appear to be unaware of rightly dividing the Word of truth. There are two parts to God’s redemption plan. Prophetic (Israel’s doctrine) and Mystery (Paul’s doctrine). These two parts (doctrines) are unique and distinct, and they cannot be merged (or blended) together, as you clearly are doing in your question. On the other hand, if you keep the two doctrines apart, everything falls into place.

The Faith OF Christ in the Gospel of Grace

The Faith OF Christ in the Gospel of Grace

STATEMENT:

In connection with our salvation, our works regarding obedience to Christ must reflect that which is dealt with in James. So, while we put faith in Christ’s work on the cross, that faith is meaningless without good works. Literally your faith is dead. Dead faith is of no value whatsoever and will not, and cannot, be used to meet the condition to receive grace.

RESPONSE:

I’m glad that you raise this very interesting point as it is a crucial, yet a very overlooked detail in the scriptures. I do want to respond on what you say about faith. Have a careful look at these three scriptures:

Gospels and Raptures (Kingdom - Part 6): Summary

The Gospels and their Raptures (Kingdom - Part 6)

Summary

Below is a summary of the details discussed in the preceding lesson parts of this gospel, as well as additional points that highlight its unique standing in relation to the other gospels in this study. The table will also be a useful means to run comparisons with the other gospels to really get a grasp on the differences and transitions that occurred within each.

Gospels and Raptures (Kingdom - Part 5): Additional

The Gospels and their Raptures (Kingdom - Part 5)

Additional

Christs death a mystery and completely unknown during this gospel.

It is interesting to note that throughout the period of Christ's ministry, the purpose of His sufferings and death were kept hidden. Jesus was not silent regarding His death, but the purpose of His death was a secret kept hidden in the heart of God. Unlike our Grace Gospel, Jesus' death was not preached or understood as a condition in the Kingdom Gospel. Nobody at this time knew the purpose of Jesus death. It was hidden based on God's predetermination (1 Cor.2:8). Even though Jesus spoke of it, it was not comprehended.

Gospels and Raptures (Kingdom - Part 4): Participants and Destination

The Gospels and their Raptures (Kingdom - Part 4)

Participants

The scripture makes it clear that Jesus was born a Jew and His entire earthly ministry was towards His brethren, the Jews, ONLY!

Gal.4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, (planned, ie: everything was in place) God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, (born into the flesh nature; taking on flesh) born under the law (born a Jew, under Jewish custom and constraints), 5 to redeem those who were under the law (Israel) (Israel first, and then the Gentile),

Matt.15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Rom.15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision [Jews] for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

Gospels and Raptures (Kingdom - Part 3): Conditions

The Gospels and their Raptures (Kingdom - Part 3)

Conditions

In order to prepare for the kingdom there were two primary conditions to fulfil. One had to repent, and one had to get baptized. We learn of additional works as we advance through the gospels that also had to accompany one's faith in the Messiah.

Matthew 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Gospels and Raptures (Kingdom - Part 2): Origin and Message

The Gospels and their Raptures (Kingdom - Part 2)

Origin

The gospel of the Kingdom of God (or the Kingdom of Heaven, which can be understood as the gospel of the Kingdom which is from heaven), is proclaimed by John the Baptizer and Jesus throughout the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The message proclaimed in this Kingdom gospel is unique to these four books and to the period of time from John the Baptist to the ascension of Christ.

Matthew 3:1-3 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Gospels and Raptures (Kingdom - Part 1): Introduction

The Gospels and their Raptures (Kingdom - Part 1)

Introduction

There are many believers in the Body of Christ who profess that there is only one gospel. How they interpret this view is their choice; 

• either that they believe in only one gospel message that can save or
• they believe there is only one gospel message period