We Shall Be Saved in the Same Manner as They

Introduction: Note how the text says the Jews would be saved in the same manner as the Gentiles:

1. The Jews were the first recipients of the gospel:
   1. Matthew 10:5-7
   2. Acts 1, 2
   3. Romans 1:16; 3:2
2. But here the Gentiles are held up as the standard for the Jews.
3. So the question is, “How were the Gentiles saved in Acts 10?

Body: How Were the Gentiles Saved?

1. Were they saved by the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
   1. The Gentiles (Cornelius and his household) received the baptism of the Holy Spirit:
      1. Acts 10:44-47
      2. Acts 11:15-17
      3. Acts 15:7-8
   2. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a twice-ever occurring event.
      1. Note that Peter repeatedly hearkened all the way back to Pentecost to describe the Holy Spirit baptism of the Gentiles.
      2. This comparison would not have been necessary had this been a common occurrence in the ten or so years since Pentecost.
   3. The baptism of the Holy Spirit had no connection to salvation:
      1. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a fulfillment of prophecy – Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:14-21
      2. Acts 2:1-4 – the apostles received it, but were already saved.
      3. Acts 10:44-48 – the Gentiles received it while they were lost.
2. How do we know the Gentiles were lost at the time they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
   1. Acts 10:48 – “He commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (cf Acts 19:1-5). What baptism did the Lord authorize?
      1. A baptism that made one a disciple – Matthew 28:19-20
      2. A baptism that saved the one receiving it – Mk 16:16; 1 Pet 3:21
      3. A baptism that conveyed remission of sins to the recipient:
         1. Luke 24:47
         2. Acts 2:38
         3. Acts 22:16
   2. Note the other associated phrases connected to the salvation of the Gentiles – Acts 15:7-11
      1. “The Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe” v 7
         1. Mark 16:15-16
         2. Romans 10:12-16
      2. “God… made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith” v 9.
         1. 1 Peter 1:22-23
         2. Colossians 2:11-12
      3. The Gentiles were saved “through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” v 11.
         1. Ephesians 2:8-9
         2. Titus 3:5-7