Acts 10:1-8

Some Christians believe they are umpires.  They delight in deciding who is safe and who is out.  They do this with a certainty that I find unnerving.  They will tell you that they are not judging others; they are just applying scripture.  In particular, they are fond of quoting scriptures that support the truth that Jesus is the way (John 14:6).  However, they overlook many other scriptures.  Jesus gave himself to make salvation available for all people, and on the Day of Judgment He will be the mediator between God and all humankind (1 Timothy 2:5-6). God is a righteous judge and he will save all those who are upright in heart (Psalm 7:10-12).

Without Jesus, all salvation would be impossible. However, I believe (many disagree with me), the righteousness of God makes salvation possible for all, even those who have never heard the name of Jesus.  Their salvation is dependent upon having an upright heart. Elijah and Moses had lived and died before Jesus was born, yet they lived and talked with Him on the mount of transfiguration.  The scriptures tell us God counted Abraham’s faith as righteousness.  In the Old Testament many who died were right with God even before Christ went to the cross.  I also believe Jesus will mediate on behalf of all who have a pure heart, even if they have never heard the name of Jesus.

A Study Bible that stated with certainty that before he met Peter, Cornelius was lost, prompted me to write this.  Cornelius was a man who feared God.  He prayed regularly following the Jewish prayer times.  He gave generously to those in need, and he had a devout heart.  James 1:27 tells us that helping the needy, and living unpolluted by the world, is what God accepts as pure religion.  Because he did not know about Jesus, God sent an angel to speak to him personally.  He heard the will of God and obeyed.  I am not the umpire, but I trust God to make the right calls.