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Cornelius: When was he "regenerated"?

Discussion in '2004 Archive' started by Doubting Thomas, Jul 11, 2004.

  1. Doubting Thomas

    Doubting Thomas Active Member

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    At what point in his life was Cornelius (Acts 10) regenerated? Anyone?
     
  2. John Gilmore

    John Gilmore New Member

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    We don't know exactly when but we do know that it was before he met with Peter and was baptized. His prayers were heard by God and his gifts were pleasing to God. The prayers of unbelievers are not heard by God and their offerings are not acceptable.

    Furthermore, Cornelius was "devout", "one that feareth God" and "a just man". Also he was "of good report among all the nations of the Jews". That would not be possible without the imputed righteousness of Christ which is obtained by faith alone.

    The Holy Spirit does not come to men through their own preparations, works and prayers but only through the Word. So the word probably came to Cornelius through one of the Jews who told him of the promised Messiah.
     
  3. npetreley

    npetreley New Member

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    IMO, the gospel didn't become the gospel only after it was all accomplished in our conception of time (when Jesus was raised from the dead). The author of Hebrews talks about the people of the Exodus...

    Hebrews 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
     
  4. Doubting Thomas

    Doubting Thomas Active Member

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    So he was regenerated before the Holy Spirit "fell" on him? He was "born of the Spirit" before he encountered the Spirit?

    So the righteousness of Christ was imputed to him before he heard about or exercised faith in Christ?

    So, again, did the Holy Spirit come to this particulary man before it came upon this particular man? Acts 10:45 associates the gift of the Holy Spirit being poured out on the Gentiles with this falling of the Holy Spirit on them in verse 44. So you're saying Cornelius was regenerated before that? How, if the Spirit has not been poured on him until that point? Or are there two "pourings"? Or is the gift of the pouring of the Spirit somehow different from regeneration (being born of the Spirit)?
     
  5. BobRyan

    BobRyan Well-Known Member

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    Prior to baptism. In fact - likely prior to the Angel visiting him. For God is not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. God draws all mankind to himself. Cornelius already HAD the 2Timothy 3 blessing of God's Word in his hands as did Timothy from his youth up...
    In Christ,

    Bob
     
  6. John Gilmore

    John Gilmore New Member

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    Doubting Thomas,

    So he was regenerated before the Holy Spirit "fell" on him? He was "born of the Spirit" before he encountered the Spirit?

    NO

    So the righteousness of Christ was imputed to him before he heard about or exercised faith in Christ?

    NO

    So, again, did the Holy Spirit come to this particulary man before it came upon this particular man?

    Huh?

    Acts 10:45 associates the gift of the Holy Spirit being poured out on the Gentiles with this falling of the Holy Spirit on them in verse 44. So you're saying Cornelius was regenerated before that?

    Yes

    How, if the Spirit has not been poured on him until that point?

    The Holy Spirit had previously regenerated Cornelius. The Holy Spirit also gave Cornelius the outward sign of speaking in tongues. This astonished the Jewish Christians because, until that time, this particular gift of the Holy Spirit had not been given to Gentiles.

    Or are there two "pourings"? Or is the gift of the pouring of the Spirit somehow different from regeneration (being born of the Spirit)?

    Speaking in tongues is no longer necessary since we now have the Holy Scriptures. However, the Holy Spirit continues to call, gather, give faith, and enlighten the Christian throughout his life of sanctification after his regeneration. The Christian receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit, through faith alone, when he is baptized, when he is absolved of his sins, when he receives the Lord's body and blood, and when he hears the word of preaching.

    [ July 11, 2004, 06:03 PM: Message edited by: John Gilmore ]
     
  7. Doubting Thomas

    Doubting Thomas Active Member

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    So the pouring of the Spirit in verse 45 is for "spiritual gifts" only and not for regeneration? So you're saying that we are regenerated, and then baptized at which point we are forgiven of our sins and receive the "gifts" (plural) of the Spirit?

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but "gift" in verse 45 is singular and refers to the Spirit Himself, does it not?

    Also, was Cornelius indeed regenerated for an undetermined period of time without being forgiven of his sins? If so, is it possible for a regenerated individual to go his entire life without being baptized and thus remain unforgiven?
     
  8. John Gilmore

    John Gilmore New Member

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    Doubting Thomas,

    So the pouring of the Spirit in verse 45 is for "spiritual gifts" only and not for regeneration?

    The Holy Spirit works through the word of preaching (v. 44) to call, regenerate, forgive sins, impart grace, give faith, and enlighten all at the same time.

    So you're saying that we are regenerated, and then baptized at which point we are forgiven of our sins and receive the "gifts" (plural) of the Spirit?

    The Holy Spirit works through the word of baptism (v. 47) to call, regenerate, forgive sins, impart grace, give faith, and enlighten all at the same time.

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but "gift" in verse 45 is singular and refers to the Spirit Himself, does it not?

    It could refer to the speaking in tongues (v.46).

    Also, was Cornelius indeed regenerated for an undetermined period of time without being forgiven of his sins?

    Cornelius was forgiven when he was regenerated and given faith. He was justified by the imputed righteousness of Christ, but he continued to sin after regeneration. Peter offered Cornelius the forgiveness of sins through the outward word of preaching and the outward word of baptism by the faith of Christ alone.

    If so, is it possible for a regenerated individual to go his entire life without being baptized and thus remain unforgiven?

    Anyone who despises baptism has not put on Christ and, therefore, is not forgiven.

    [ July 12, 2004, 12:07 AM: Message edited by: John Gilmore ]
     
  9. Skandelon

    Skandelon <b>Moderator</b>

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    Abraham believed and it was credited to him as righteousness.

    Cornelious believed and it was credited to him as righteousness.

    The means of righteousness is faith.
     
  10. Doubting Thomas

    Doubting Thomas Active Member

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    Amen, brother. [​IMG]
     
  11. John Gilmore

    John Gilmore New Member

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    Yes, faith is the only means whereby Abraham and Cornelious layed hold of Christ and of his righteousness. But neither Abraham nor Cornelious could have believed and obtained the righteousness of Christ had it not been granted them through the hearing of the Word.

    Cornelius believed; therefore, his prayers and alms were acceptable. However, so that Cornelius would not lost his faith and have his heart hardened through unbelief, God caused the word to go forth in the form of preaching and baptism. God saves us, instanteously and completely, outside any efforts of our own. However, God doesn't save us just one time. He continues to save us each time we hear the word and each time we return to our baptism in repentance and faith.

    [ July 14, 2004, 09:19 AM: Message edited by: John Gilmore ]
     
  12. Skandelon

    Skandelon <b>Moderator</b>

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    I'm not trying to disagree or debate, but I would like to know your biblical support for this statement. Thanks [​IMG]
     
  13. John Gilmore

    John Gilmore New Member

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    Skandelon,

    They have Moses and the prophets; Let them hear them. Luke 16:29
    Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17
    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. Acts 2:38
    Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God. 1 Peter 1:23
    From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15
    Peter preached the Word of God, And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47
     
  14. Skandelon

    Skandelon <b>Moderator</b>

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    Amen!

    Thanks [​IMG]
     
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