A wider hope

[Todd]

Acts 10:34-35
34 Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality,
35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

I realize that these men were commanded to be baptized after Peter said this, but according to this quote, weren't they acceptable to God through fearing Him and doing what is right, even before their baptism? And wouldn't the same be true for those who never hear the Gospel but follow the same pattern of doing what is right and fearing God?

The bottom line here... Does this statement by Peter give hope for those who never hear the Gospel, which includes the vast majority of mankind?

Todd

[Todd]

...And He already said that we don't have to be babtized. But I think it's still a good idea to follow Jesus and to read the word & try to know Him.

Thanks for your reply. My post was not really to address anything about baptism, but I can see how you would have thought so. I was really just trying to address the vast majority of mankind that passes their lifetime on this world never hearing the Gospel. Some have said that the scriptures are silent on this subject, but I am trying to point out that perhaps there are some scriptures which give us some insight.

Todd

[lee]

But what is it that is "right"? What entails "fearing him"?

romans 8:8 says that "those in the flesh cannot please God."
romans 3:12 says that "there is none who does good."
a person must be born of the Spirit to be in the Spirit to do good (john 3:5)
ephesians 2:10 says that those who are "created in Christ Jesus" are His "workmanship" for "good works."

i would also like to know if scripture speaks on this in any place. it seems that scripture does in fact indicate a "total depravity" of the human soul. salvation comes only through Jesus. but is there a more innate, primal calling upon the soul which an individual responds to? i would have to insist that if so, that person would just as well accept the gospel if he/she heard it and in the end would still only be justified by the salvific work of Jesus.

[Todd]

But what is it that is "right"? What entails "fearing him"?

I suppose that is up to God, but it appears that Cornelius and those in his household qualified.

i would also like to know if scripture speaks on this in any place. it seems that scripture does in fact indicate a "total depravity" of the human soul. salvation comes only through Jesus. but is there a more innate, primal calling upon the soul which an individual responds to? i would have to insist that if so, that person would just as well accept the gospel if he/she heard it and in the end would still only be justified by the salvific work of Jesus.

I would agree that Christ is the savior of the World.

2 Cor :19
that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Todd

[Sean]

Acts 10:34-35
34 Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality,
35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

I realize that these men were commanded to be baptized after Peter said this, but according to this quote, weren't they acceptable to God through fearing Him and doing what is right, even before their baptism? And wouldn't the same be true for those who never hear the Gospel but follow the same pattern of doing what is right and fearing God?

The bottom line here... Does this statement by Peter give hope for those who never hear the Gospel, which includes the vast majority of mankind?

Todd

It would seem that those who actually respond to the Gospel are those who are in this condition. They do what is right and fear Him, which seems to be a measure of faith in God already. It seems these people have responded positively to the inner light reveled to them (John 1:9).

[Sean]

But what is it that is "right"? What entails "fearing him"?

It seems that Peter knew what these terms meant, and he applied them to unregenerate men.

romans 8:8 says that "those in the flesh cannot please God."
romans 3:12 says that "there is none who does good."
a person must be born of the Spirit to be in the Spirit to do good (john 3:5)
ephesians 2:10 says that those who are "created in Christ Jesus" are His "workmanship" for "good works."

i would also like to know if scripture speaks on this in any place. it seems that scripture does in fact indicate a "total depravity" of the human soul. salvation comes only through Jesus. but is there a more innate, primal calling upon the soul which an individual responds to? i would have to insist that if so, that person would just as well accept the gospel if he/she heard it and in the end would still only be justified by the salvific work of Jesus.

I don't see how those passages teach total depravity. Do you think Peter was mistaken?

[lee]

my point is that a person must be born of the spirit to do right things. only after conversion is a person in the spirit and thus capable of pleasing God.

[Todd]

It would seem that those who actually respond to the Gospel are those who are in this condition. They do what is right and fear Him, which seems to be a measure of faith in God already. It seems these people have responded positively to the inner light reveled to them (John 1:9).

Sean,

Yes, I see it that way. Every man is given light as stated in John 1:9 (as you point out). This light is sufficient to encourage doing what is right and fearing God. According to Peter, those who respond to the inward light in this way are "acceptable" to God.

Todd

[lee]

John 1:9 is specifically talking about Jesus (He) coming into the world. That is the Light. How can a person respond positively to the Light if they've never heard of Him or met Him? And where is this "inner" light that you speak of? I don't see it in the context.

[Todd]

John 1:9 is specifically talking about Jesus (He) coming into the world. That is the Light. How can a person respond positively to the Light if they've never heard of Him or met Him? And where is this "inner" light that you speak of? I don't see it in the context.

John 1:9 NAS
There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

John 1:9 NIV
The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

John 1:9 NKJV
That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

Each of these translations seems to say the same thing; namely, that every man is given light from Christ.

And consider this passage from Romans Chapter 1...

Rom 1:18-21 NKJV
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Here again we have evidence that the knowledge of God is given to every man. Each person can respond through obedience or can choose to "suppress the truth" (v18). Those who respond by doing what is right are acceptable to God; those who suppress the truth through unrighteousness suffer God's wrath.

Todd