June 11th, 2025
by Dalton Jenkins
by Dalton Jenkins
Finding Salvation Beyond Good Works: Lessons from Cornelius
The story of Cornelius in Acts 10 teaches us a profound truth about salvation: being a good person isn't enough to secure eternal life. Though Cornelius was devoted, generous, and prayerful, he still needed something more - he needed Jesus Christ.
What Does It Mean to Be Saved?
Salvation is not about making bad people good; it's about bringing dead people to life. The Bible tells us we were "dead in our trespasses and sins." Salvation is the gracious work of God that:
Rescues sinners from eternal separation
Forgives sins
Transforms lives
Gives eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ
No matter how wretched your life may be, there is only one way to be safe and secure - through new birth in Jesus Christ.
Why Do We Need Salvation?
God created us for relationship with Him, but sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden and separated us from God. Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," while Romans 6:23 states that "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life."
Our sins created a separation that we cannot bridge on our own. Nothing else in this life can pardon us or pay for our sin - only faith in Jesus Christ can restore our relationship with God.
Can Good Works Save You?
Cornelius was by all human standards a good man:
Yet despite all these admirable qualities, he still needed salvation. The Bible is clear on this point:
Many people believe they're "good enough" for heaven because they help others, attend church occasionally, or avoid major sins. But the truth is that hell will be filled with people who did good things. Good works alone cannot save you.
What Is the Gospel Message?
The gospel is good news for everyone, everywhere. It's not limited by geography, culture, or background. The message is simple yet profound:
As Romans 1:16 states, the gospel "is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes." And John 3:16 reminds us that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
How Do We Receive Salvation?
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. There are no checklists to complete, no special clothing to wear, no specific language to speak. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Acts 4:12 confirms this: "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
To receive salvation:
Romans 10:9-10 promises that if you do these things, you will be saved.
Why Must We Respond Personally to the Gospel?
The gospel demands a personal response. It's not enough to hear the message; you must act on it. James 1:22 urges us to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Your salvation is not inherited from religious parents or acquired through association with Christians. You must make your own decision to follow Christ. As Revelation 3:20 says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), but hearing alone isn't enough. Like Cornelius, you must respond to what you've heard.
Life Application
The story of Cornelius challenges us to examine our own spiritual condition. Are you relying on your good deeds, religious activities, or moral character to save you? If so, you're missing what truly matters - a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
This week, take time to reflect on these questions:
Don't delay your decision. The Bible warns us not to harden our hearts when we hear God's voice. Like Cornelius, you can experience the transforming power of salvation today by putting your faith in Jesus Christ.
What Does It Mean to Be Saved?
Salvation is not about making bad people good; it's about bringing dead people to life. The Bible tells us we were "dead in our trespasses and sins." Salvation is the gracious work of God that:
Rescues sinners from eternal separation
Forgives sins
Transforms lives
Gives eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ
No matter how wretched your life may be, there is only one way to be safe and secure - through new birth in Jesus Christ.
Why Do We Need Salvation?
God created us for relationship with Him, but sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden and separated us from God. Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," while Romans 6:23 states that "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life."
Our sins created a separation that we cannot bridge on our own. Nothing else in this life can pardon us or pay for our sin - only faith in Jesus Christ can restore our relationship with God.
Can Good Works Save You?
Cornelius was by all human standards a good man:
- He was devoted to God
- He prayed daily
- He gave generously to those in need
- He lived righteously
Yet despite all these admirable qualities, he still needed salvation. The Bible is clear on this point:
- Isaiah 64:6 tells us "all our righteousness are like filthy rags"
- Ephesians 2:8-9 states "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast"
- Romans 3:10-12 declares "There is none righteous, no, not one"
Many people believe they're "good enough" for heaven because they help others, attend church occasionally, or avoid major sins. But the truth is that hell will be filled with people who did good things. Good works alone cannot save you.
What Is the Gospel Message?
The gospel is good news for everyone, everywhere. It's not limited by geography, culture, or background. The message is simple yet profound:
- Jesus came to earth, taking on humanity while maintaining divinity
- He lived a perfect life, experiencing human struggles
- He died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for our sins
- He was buried in a tomb
- On the third day, He rose from the dead, defeating death and hell
- He lives today and offers salvation to all who believe
As Romans 1:16 states, the gospel "is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes." And John 3:16 reminds us that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
How Do We Receive Salvation?
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. There are no checklists to complete, no special clothing to wear, no specific language to speak. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Acts 4:12 confirms this: "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
To receive salvation:
- Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
- Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead
- Accept Him as your Savior
Romans 10:9-10 promises that if you do these things, you will be saved.
Why Must We Respond Personally to the Gospel?
The gospel demands a personal response. It's not enough to hear the message; you must act on it. James 1:22 urges us to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Your salvation is not inherited from religious parents or acquired through association with Christians. You must make your own decision to follow Christ. As Revelation 3:20 says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), but hearing alone isn't enough. Like Cornelius, you must respond to what you've heard.
Life Application
The story of Cornelius challenges us to examine our own spiritual condition. Are you relying on your good deeds, religious activities, or moral character to save you? If so, you're missing what truly matters - a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
This week, take time to reflect on these questions:
- Am I trusting in my good works for salvation, or am I trusting in Jesus Christ alone?
- Have I personally responded to the gospel by confessing my sins and accepting Jesus as my Savior?
- If I were to stand before God today, what would be my answer if He asked why He should let me into heaven?
- How can I share this message of salvation with someone who, like Cornelius, might be religious but not saved?
Don't delay your decision. The Bible warns us not to harden our hearts when we hear God's voice. Like Cornelius, you can experience the transforming power of salvation today by putting your faith in Jesus Christ.
Devotions
Day 1: The Illusion of Good Enough
Devotional: Have you ever caught yourself thinking, 'I'm a good person - surely that's enough'? It's a common thought, but one that misses the heart of God's plan for us. Like Cornelius in Acts 10, many of us strive to live moral, upright lives. We help others, give to those in need, and try our best to be good people. Yet even Cornelius, despite his exemplary life, needed something more - he needed Jesus. This truth challenges our natural tendency to measure ourselves by our good deeds. God's standard isn't about being good enough - it's about recognizing our need for a Savior.
Bible Verse: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." — Romans 3:23
Reflection Question
What areas of your life have you been relying on your own goodness rather than Christ's finished work?
Quote:
We have a lot of people that are saying, well, I am good. I don't go about doing bad things. I don't rob anybody. Occasionally I give somebody something. I might help the beggar. I might help the homeless man. I'm all right with God. I'm here to tell you your good works will never save you.
Prayer: Father, help me see beyond my own good works and recognize my deep need for Jesus. Remove any pride that makes me think I can earn my way to You. Thank You for offering salvation as a gift through Christ. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt:
* Reverence: Worship God for His holiness and glory, before which no human effort can stand.
* Response: Confess the tendency to rely on good deeds rather than Christ's righteousness.
* Requests: Ask for humility to embrace the truth of your need for salvation in Jesus.
* Readiness: Commit to living out the truth that salvation is by grace, ready to share this truth with others caught in the "good enough" trap.
Day 2: More Than Religion
Devotional
Religion can give us a false sense of security. We might attend church regularly, participate in religious ceremonies, or follow traditional practices, thinking these activities guarantee our salvation. But true transformation goes deeper than religious routines. It requires a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Just like Cornelius, who was religious but needed a personal relationship with Jesus, we too must move beyond mere religious activities to experience genuine spiritual life.
Bible Verse
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" - John 3:3
Reflection Question
How has your relationship with Jesus moved beyond religious activities to personal transformation?
Quote
Attending church regularly won't give you salvation. Sitting and taking and participating in Mass won't give you salvation. You are just eating and drinking in vain.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me move beyond religious routines to a genuine relationship with You. Transform my heart and help me experience the new life You offer. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt:
* Reverence: Praise Jesus for being the only way to the Father and the giver of new birth.
* Response: Repent of times you’ve mistaken religious activity for relationship.
* Requests: Ask for deeper intimacy with Christ and freedom from empty religion.
* Readiness: Be prepared to seek and encourage authentic spiritual renewal—starting with yourself and extending to others in your church or family.
Day 3: The Power of Personal Decision
Devotional
Salvation is deeply personal. It's not inherited from our parents, borrowed from our spouse, or absorbed from our community. Each person must make their own decision to follow Christ. Think about it like learning to walk - no one can do it for you. Your mother's ability to walk doesn't automatically transfer to you. Similarly, your family's faith journey, while influential, cannot substitute for your personal decision to follow Jesus.
Bible Verse
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9-10
Reflection Question
What's holding you back from making or fully embracing your personal decision to follow Christ?
Quote
It's not because your mommy is a Christian, you feel okay? No, you have to make that decision. It's not because you came from a family of religious persons that accept Jesus. No, you, you have to make that decision for yourself.
Prayer: Dear God, give me courage to make my faith my own. Help me move beyond family traditions to a personal relationship with You. Thank You for calling me to know You personally. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt:
* Reverence: Thank God for making salvation personal and accessible.
* Response: Acknowledge any past reliance on family heritage or tradition instead of personal faith.
* Requests: Pray for a firm, personal commitment to follow Christ fully.
* Readiness: Be ready to lead others toward making their own personal decision to follow Jesus.
Day 4: The Universal Gospel
Devotional
God's love knows no boundaries. The gospel message isn't limited by culture, social status, or background - it's for everyone, everywhere. Just as Peter was sent to Cornelius, crossing cultural and religious barriers, God's message of salvation continues to break down walls that divide us. This universal invitation reminds us that no one is too far from God's reach, and everyone needs the same Savior.
Bible Verse
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." - Romans 1:16
Reflection Question
How can you help share the gospel message with someone from a different background than yours?
Quote
The gospel message is for everyone, everywhere. What we saw that was Cornelius was out in the gentile world. And Peter was caught up among his Jewish brethren. But the Holy Spirit came to Peter and told Peter, peter, you need to get up and go down to this country.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love reaches everyone. Help me see others as You see them and share Your love across all boundaries. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt:
* Reverence: Glorify God for His boundless love and global grace.
* Response: Repent of any bias or limitations placed on whom you share the gospel with.
* Requests: Ask for boldness and love to reach across boundaries with the gospel.
* Readiness: Be ready to be used as a bridge in God's hand to carry His message to diverse people.
Day 5: New Life in Christ
Devotional
True transformation comes through Christ alone. It's not about becoming a better version of yourself - it's about becoming a new creation entirely. Like Cornelius, you might have admirable qualities: discipline, generosity, or sincerity. Yet the greatest need we all share is new life in Christ. This new life isn't earned through self-improvement but received as a gift through faith in Jesus.
Bible Verse
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9
Reflection Question
What areas of your life show evidence of Christ's transforming power, and where do you still need His renewal?
Quote
Cornelius had everything we often admire. He was disciplined. He was generous. He had sincerity. But he lacked one thing that truly, truly matters. He needed new life in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for offering new life through Your sacrifice. Continue transforming me from the inside out, making me more like You each day. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt:
* Reverence: Praise God for the grace that makes us new creations.
* Response: Confess self-reliance or striving for worth outside of Christ.
* Requests: Ask for continued inner transformation by the Holy Spirit.
* Readiness: Live as a testimony of God’s grace, ready to help others encounter true spiritual rebirth.
Devotional: Have you ever caught yourself thinking, 'I'm a good person - surely that's enough'? It's a common thought, but one that misses the heart of God's plan for us. Like Cornelius in Acts 10, many of us strive to live moral, upright lives. We help others, give to those in need, and try our best to be good people. Yet even Cornelius, despite his exemplary life, needed something more - he needed Jesus. This truth challenges our natural tendency to measure ourselves by our good deeds. God's standard isn't about being good enough - it's about recognizing our need for a Savior.
Bible Verse: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." — Romans 3:23
Reflection Question
What areas of your life have you been relying on your own goodness rather than Christ's finished work?
Quote:
We have a lot of people that are saying, well, I am good. I don't go about doing bad things. I don't rob anybody. Occasionally I give somebody something. I might help the beggar. I might help the homeless man. I'm all right with God. I'm here to tell you your good works will never save you.
Prayer: Father, help me see beyond my own good works and recognize my deep need for Jesus. Remove any pride that makes me think I can earn my way to You. Thank You for offering salvation as a gift through Christ. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt:
* Reverence: Worship God for His holiness and glory, before which no human effort can stand.
* Response: Confess the tendency to rely on good deeds rather than Christ's righteousness.
* Requests: Ask for humility to embrace the truth of your need for salvation in Jesus.
* Readiness: Commit to living out the truth that salvation is by grace, ready to share this truth with others caught in the "good enough" trap.
Day 2: More Than Religion
Devotional
Religion can give us a false sense of security. We might attend church regularly, participate in religious ceremonies, or follow traditional practices, thinking these activities guarantee our salvation. But true transformation goes deeper than religious routines. It requires a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Just like Cornelius, who was religious but needed a personal relationship with Jesus, we too must move beyond mere religious activities to experience genuine spiritual life.
Bible Verse
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" - John 3:3
Reflection Question
How has your relationship with Jesus moved beyond religious activities to personal transformation?
Quote
Attending church regularly won't give you salvation. Sitting and taking and participating in Mass won't give you salvation. You are just eating and drinking in vain.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me move beyond religious routines to a genuine relationship with You. Transform my heart and help me experience the new life You offer. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt:
* Reverence: Praise Jesus for being the only way to the Father and the giver of new birth.
* Response: Repent of times you’ve mistaken religious activity for relationship.
* Requests: Ask for deeper intimacy with Christ and freedom from empty religion.
* Readiness: Be prepared to seek and encourage authentic spiritual renewal—starting with yourself and extending to others in your church or family.
Day 3: The Power of Personal Decision
Devotional
Salvation is deeply personal. It's not inherited from our parents, borrowed from our spouse, or absorbed from our community. Each person must make their own decision to follow Christ. Think about it like learning to walk - no one can do it for you. Your mother's ability to walk doesn't automatically transfer to you. Similarly, your family's faith journey, while influential, cannot substitute for your personal decision to follow Jesus.
Bible Verse
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9-10
Reflection Question
What's holding you back from making or fully embracing your personal decision to follow Christ?
Quote
It's not because your mommy is a Christian, you feel okay? No, you have to make that decision. It's not because you came from a family of religious persons that accept Jesus. No, you, you have to make that decision for yourself.
Prayer: Dear God, give me courage to make my faith my own. Help me move beyond family traditions to a personal relationship with You. Thank You for calling me to know You personally. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt:
* Reverence: Thank God for making salvation personal and accessible.
* Response: Acknowledge any past reliance on family heritage or tradition instead of personal faith.
* Requests: Pray for a firm, personal commitment to follow Christ fully.
* Readiness: Be ready to lead others toward making their own personal decision to follow Jesus.
Day 4: The Universal Gospel
Devotional
God's love knows no boundaries. The gospel message isn't limited by culture, social status, or background - it's for everyone, everywhere. Just as Peter was sent to Cornelius, crossing cultural and religious barriers, God's message of salvation continues to break down walls that divide us. This universal invitation reminds us that no one is too far from God's reach, and everyone needs the same Savior.
Bible Verse
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." - Romans 1:16
Reflection Question
How can you help share the gospel message with someone from a different background than yours?
Quote
The gospel message is for everyone, everywhere. What we saw that was Cornelius was out in the gentile world. And Peter was caught up among his Jewish brethren. But the Holy Spirit came to Peter and told Peter, peter, you need to get up and go down to this country.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love reaches everyone. Help me see others as You see them and share Your love across all boundaries. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt:
* Reverence: Glorify God for His boundless love and global grace.
* Response: Repent of any bias or limitations placed on whom you share the gospel with.
* Requests: Ask for boldness and love to reach across boundaries with the gospel.
* Readiness: Be ready to be used as a bridge in God's hand to carry His message to diverse people.
Day 5: New Life in Christ
Devotional
True transformation comes through Christ alone. It's not about becoming a better version of yourself - it's about becoming a new creation entirely. Like Cornelius, you might have admirable qualities: discipline, generosity, or sincerity. Yet the greatest need we all share is new life in Christ. This new life isn't earned through self-improvement but received as a gift through faith in Jesus.
Bible Verse
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9
Reflection Question
What areas of your life show evidence of Christ's transforming power, and where do you still need His renewal?
Quote
Cornelius had everything we often admire. He was disciplined. He was generous. He had sincerity. But he lacked one thing that truly, truly matters. He needed new life in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for offering new life through Your sacrifice. Continue transforming me from the inside out, making me more like You each day. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt:
* Reverence: Praise God for the grace that makes us new creations.
* Response: Confess self-reliance or striving for worth outside of Christ.
* Requests: Ask for continued inner transformation by the Holy Spirit.
* Readiness: Live as a testimony of God’s grace, ready to help others encounter true spiritual rebirth.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Summary
This sermon focuses on the story of Cornelius from Acts 10, using it to illustrate that good works alone cannot save someone - only faith in Jesus Christ leads to salvation. The pastor emphasizes that Cornelius, despite being a devout, generous, and praying man, still needed to be born again through accepting Jesus as his personal savior. The message strongly emphasizes that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, not through religious practices or good deeds.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to understand the true meaning of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help us to see beyond our own good works and recognize our need for Your saving grace. Guide our discussion and help each person here to grow closer to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's the nicest thing someone has ever done for you? How did it make you feel?
Key Verses
Acts 10:1-7
John 3:3
Romans 3:23
Ephesians 2:8-9
John 14:6
Questions
Life Application
This week, examine your own faith journey and identify any areas where you might be relying on good works rather than faith in Jesus Christ. Make a conscious effort to share the gospel message with at least one person, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone.
Key Takeaways
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us through Cornelius's story that salvation comes through faith in You alone. Help us to trust not in our own good works but in Your finished work on the cross. Give us courage to share this truth with others and live lives that reflect Your transforming power. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This sermon focuses on the story of Cornelius from Acts 10, using it to illustrate that good works alone cannot save someone - only faith in Jesus Christ leads to salvation. The pastor emphasizes that Cornelius, despite being a devout, generous, and praying man, still needed to be born again through accepting Jesus as his personal savior. The message strongly emphasizes that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, not through religious practices or good deeds.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to understand the true meaning of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help us to see beyond our own good works and recognize our need for Your saving grace. Guide our discussion and help each person here to grow closer to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's the nicest thing someone has ever done for you? How did it make you feel?
Key Verses
Acts 10:1-7
John 3:3
Romans 3:23
Ephesians 2:8-9
John 14:6
Questions
- Why wasn't Cornelius's devotion and good works enough for salvation?
- How would you explain to someone the difference between being religious and being saved?
- What does it mean to be 'born again' and why is it necessary?
- How does this passage challenge our modern understanding of what makes someone a 'good person'?
- Why do you think people often rely on their good works for salvation instead of faith in Jesus?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in salvation according to this passage?
- How can we share the gospel message with others without making them feel judged?
- What personal response does the gospel require from each of us?
Life Application
This week, examine your own faith journey and identify any areas where you might be relying on good works rather than faith in Jesus Christ. Make a conscious effort to share the gospel message with at least one person, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone.
Key Takeaways
- Good works and religious devotion alone cannot save anyone
- The gospel is good news for everyone, everywhere
- Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ
- The gospel requires a personal response of faith
- Being born again is essential for entering the kingdom of God
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us through Cornelius's story that salvation comes through faith in You alone. Help us to trust not in our own good works but in Your finished work on the cross. Give us courage to share this truth with others and live lives that reflect Your transforming power. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Dalton Jenkins
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