WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF CORNELIUS BEING BAPTIZED IN WATER?   BY STEVE FINNELL

The proponents of salvation by faith only like to cite the conversion of Cornelius as proof that men do not need to be baptized in water in order to be saved. If that is true then why was Cornelius baptized?

The faith only reasons for water baptism.

1. Was Cornelius baptized as a testimony of his faith? No. The Jews were amazed, because the gift of of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on Cornelius and his gentile friends.(Acts 10:45) No testimony of faith was required, they were speaking in tongues and exalting God. (Acts 10:46).

2.  Was Cornelius baptized so he could be member of the local church? No, he was not. If Cornelius was saved the minute he believed and spoke in tongues, then the Lord would have already added him to His church. (Acts 2:47)

3. Was Cornelius baptized as an act of obedience? No, if anything it was an act of obedience for Peter and the Jews to baptized Cornelius. (Acts 10:47 "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?")

The purpose of water baptism according to the Scriptures.

1. Why was Cornelius baptized in water? (Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

2. Why was Cornelius baptized in water? (Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved...)

3. Why was Cornelius baptized in water? (John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

4. Why was Cornelius baptized in water? (Act 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

If Cornelius was already part of the body of Christ before he was baptized in water, then he did not need to be baptized. (Galatians 3:27) If Cornelius was already saved, then he did not need to be baptized. (Mark 16:16) If Cornelius already had his sins forgiven, then he did not need to be baptized. (Acts 22:16) If Cornelius had already been born of water and the Spirit, then he did not need to be baptized. (John 3:5) If the Lord had already added Cornelius to His church, then he did not need to be baptized. (Acts 2:47) If Cornelius had already been raised to walk in the newness of life, then he did not need to be baptized. (Romans 6:4) If all of the transgressions of Cornelius had been forgiven, then he did not need to be baptized. (Colossians 2:12-13) If Cornelius was already holy and blameless, then he would not have needed to be baptized. (Ephesians 5:25-27)

CORNELIUS NEEDED TO BE BAPTIZED BECAUSE HE WAS GUILTY OF SIN, JUST AS ARE ALL MEN. (Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God)