By Steve A. Hamilton

Acts 10:44-48

Introduction: Despite the numerous passages to the contrary (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:37-38; 8:4-5, 12; 35-38; 10:42-43, 48; 16:13-15; 30-34; 18:4-5, 8; 19:4-5; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21; etc.), many people promote the idea that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Such people are quick to embrace any argument that seems to oppose all the afore mentioned passages if they can find just one position from the Bible that seems to teach otherwise.  Never mind they can’t explain any passage that equates baptism to salvation.  They only wish to challenge us to prove them wrong.

          One such position that is used to try to negate the necessity of baptism is to argue that Cornelius was saved before being baptized.

I. Two false arguments:

          A. Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before baptism.  The Holy Spirit does not abide in the unsaved so Cornelius must have been saved before baptism.

          B. Cornelius spoke in tongues before being baptized.  The gift of tongues was not given to unbelievers.  Therefore, Cornelius must have been saved before baptism.    

II. How was Cornelius saved?

          A. Cornelius was not saved prior to Peter’s visit (Acts 11:13-14).  Emphasis was placed on the words by which they will be saved. 

          B. Cornelius understood he had to hear the things commanded by God (Acts 10:33).  Would Cornelius have been saved if he did not obey the commands of God (John 14:15)?

          C. Cornelius’ conversion was no different then the Apostle Paul’s conversion.

                   1. Saul wasn’t converted until he was told what he must do (Acts 9:6).

                   2. What was Saul told to do (Acts 22:16)?

          D. All other conversion stories in the New Testament follows this same pattern (Acts 2:37-38; 8:4-5, 12; 35-38; 10:42-43, 48; 16:13-15; 30-34; 18:4-5, 8; 19:4-5).

          E. What was Cornelius commanded to do (Acts 10:48)?

III. Holy Spirit baptism and gifts.

          A. If Cornelius was saved by water baptism, than what was the purpose of the Holy Sprit baptism and the speaking in tongues (Heb. 2:3-4)?  

                   1. Salvation comes through hearing God.  God bore witness to these conversions by providing signs, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His will!

                   2. Specifically, God was acknowledging Cornelius by giving them the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:7-9).

          B. In Acts 15, Peter did not use the Holy Spirit baptism as proof of Cornelius’ salvation.  Rather he used it as proof that Cornelius needed to be baptized.

          C. God has established that salvation comes through someone who teaches (Rom. 10:13-17).  No one calls on the Lord unless they believe the word of God!

          D. Salvation does not require Holy Spirit baptism nor a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 1:21).  However, salvation does require the message to be preached.

          E. If intervention of the Holy Spirit was required for salvation, then what evidence is ever offered to support that claim? 

                   1. Cornelius did not simply claim to have the Holy Spirit.  It was evident to all that gathered that he had the Holy Spirit. 

                   2. People today who claim the necessity of Holy Spirit baptism never offer collaborating evidence of the experience.  It is only their word of such events that they offer.  Even Jesus would not use such weak evidence (John 5:31).

          F. Holy Spirit baptism was administered by Christ (Matt. 3:11).

                   1. In the only two occurrences of Holy Spirit baptism in Acts 2 and 10, no human was involved in its administration.

                   2. By contrast, water baptism is always administered by man (Matt. 28:19).  Water baptism is commanded.  A command must be obeyed. 

                   3. Holy Spirit baptism was a promise (Luke 24:49).  Promises are given; not obeyed.

          G. Just because someone has the Holy Spirit does not mean they are saved.

                   1. The Spirit came upon King Saul while he was searching to murder David (1 Sam. 19:18-24).

                   2. Balaam was able to prophecy while he sought to use his gift to make money for himself (Num. 23:1-5; 2 Pet. 2:15).       

Conclusion: Peter said Cornelius was saved in the same manner as everyone is saved (Acts 15:11).  It is interesting that those who support the necessity of Holy Spirit baptism do not claim that they also need to see an angel or that their preacher needs to have a vision.  Obviously, being saved “in the same manner as they” does not include exceptional events.  The same manner Peter is referring to was baptism (Rom. 6:3-4). That is why Peter commanded Cornelius to be baptized because he knew and taught the baptism is what saves us (1 Pet. 3:21).  Have you been baptized?

Last modified: 05/02/08