The Signs of the Times
April 6, 1904
Lessons From the Story of Cornelius—Part 1
A Seeker after Truth
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” ST April 6, 1904, par. 1
Tho Cornelius was a Roman, he had become acquainted with the true God, and had renounced idolatry. He was obedient to the will of God, and worshiped Him with a true heart. He had not connected himself with the Jews, but was acquainted with the moral law, and was obedient to its precepts. He had not been circumcised, nor did he take part in the sacrificial service; he was therefore regarded by the Jews as unclean. However, he made liberal gifts to sustain the Jewish worship, and was known far and near for his charity and beneficence. His righteous life made him of good repute, among both Jews and Gentiles. Cornelius had not an understanding faith in Christ, tho he believed the prophecies, and was looking for the Messiah to come. Through his love and obedience to God, he was brought nigh unto Him, and was prepared to receive the Saviour when He should be revealed to him. It is rejection of the light given that brings condemnation. ST April 6, 1904, par. 2
The centurion was a man of noble family, and held a position of trust and honor. True goodness and greatness united to make him a man of moral worth. His influence was a blessing to all with whom he came in contact. ST April 6, 1904, par. 3
Believing in God as the Creator of heaven and earth, he revered Him, acknowledged His authority, and sought His counsel in all the affairs of life. He was faithful in his home duties, as well as in his official responsibilities, and had erected the altar of God in his family. He dared not attempt to carry out his plans or to bear the burden of his responsibilities, without the help of God; therefore for that help he prayed much and earnestly. Faith marked all his works, and God regarded the purity of his life and the liberality of his gift, and came near to him. He recognized his piety, and so ordered events that he might receive increased light. ST April 6, 1904, par. 4
While Cornelius was praying, God sent to him a heavenly messenger, who addressed him by name. The centurion was afraid, yet he knew that the angel was sent by God to instruct him, and he said, “What is it, Lord?” “And He said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.” ST April 6, 1904, par. 5
The explicitness of these directions, in which was named even the occupation of the man with whom Peter was making his home, shows that Heaven is acquainted with the history and business of men in every grade of life. The very street on which we live is known to God. He is acquainted with the daily employment of the humble laborer, as well as that of the king upon his throne. And the sins of men, as well as their good deeds, are all known to Him. ST April 6, 1904, par. 6
“Send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter.” Thus God showed His regard for the Gospel ministry, and for His organized church. The angel was not commissioned to tell Cornelius the story of the cross. A man, subject, even as he himself, to human frailties and temptations, was to tell him of the crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. In His wisdom the Lord brings those who are seeking for truth into touch with fellow beings who know the truth. His appointed way is to communicate truth through human beings. Those who have received light are to reveal it to those in darkness. ST April 6, 1904, par. 7
Speaking of the mystery “which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God,” Paul says: “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery; ... to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” ST April 6, 1904, par. 8
To us, also, has been committed the sacred trust of making known “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took upon Himself humanity, that He might reach humanity. Divinity needed humanity, for it required both the divine and the human to bring salvation to the world. Divinity needed humanity, that humanity might afford a channel of communication between God and man. So with the servants and messengers of Christ. Man needs power outside of, and beyond, himself to restore him to the likeness of God, and to enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power. Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and, through co-operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good. ST April 6, 1904, par. 9
We are to be laborers together with the angels in presenting Jesus to the world. With almost impatient eagerness the angels wait for our co-operation; for man must be the channel to co-operate with man. And when we give ourselves to Christ in whole-hearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may speak through our voices to reveal God's love. ST April 6, 1904, par. 10