KNOWLEDGE OR TRUST?

This is the time of the year when many people spend more time than usual thinking about the suffering of Jesus Christ and doing works of penance to "atone" for their own sins. While knowledge of the passion and death of Jesus Christ is important, and doing good works are admirable, an account in the Book of Acts teaches that neither leads to salvation of one's soul.

Acts 10:2 describes Cornelius as a man who was devout, who feared God, and even prayed to God; and beside he did good works of charity. Despite all of that, Peter was summoned to go to his house. Peter preached to Cornelius in Acts 10:42, 43, "And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is He (Jesus) who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins". While Peter was yet preaching, the next verse indicates that Cornelius trusted in the Person and the work of Jesus Christ and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Here is the example of a devout man who did many good works, but received salvation of his soul not merely by acquiring knowledge about Jesus and what He did, but by unhesitatingly trusting in Him and His finished work alone for salvation.

If you read this article, ask yourself, "Am I a modern day Cornelius?" having a head knowledge of facts about God and being zealous of good works, but without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. We implore you to do what Cornelius did: Believe in Him!