“The All-inclusive Christ!”

“The All-inclusive Christ!”(Acts 10:34-43).
Peter made the speech of our text in Cornelius’ house. Many have considered this chapter more as the conversion of Peter than the conversion of Cornelius. Peter still considered the gospel in terms of Jewish particularism with its practice of exclusivism – we and them. The “we” here referring to the Jews and “them” referring to non-jews(Gentiles).
With the vision Peter saw before the messengers from Cornelius came to him, he now rightfully “realised how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts from every nation the one whovfears him and does what is right.”
Peter reiterates the importance of eye-witness. He, Peter, and others were witnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus up to his death and resurrection.
Eyewitnesses of the risen Lord was by a limited number whom God had chosen. These are people who ate and drank with Jesus after his resurrection.
Peter also testifies to Jesus’ post-ressurection command to “preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as Judge of the living and the dead.”
The prophets of old also testify about Jesus “that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Even today, the message has not changed. The risen Lord Jesus Christ is available to all humanity, but his salvation is available only to those who believe in him. They receive forgiveness for their sins through his name.
Preaching remains central so that no one should say, “I did not know,” or “I never heard.” Yes, people should perish because they heard the message, but chose to ignore or downplay it.
Besides, messengers of the gospel have to descend from their high horses. Like Peter, we too need from time to time to be converted from sin of ignorance, which causes us to shut the door of salvation on others! Just imagine if Peter had refused going to Cornelius because he was a Gentile! We all need the conversion that exposes the hypocrisy of our claims of righteousness so that we can like Peter realise that “God does not show favoritism, but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit, help free us from the sin of exclusion and to genuinely embrace the all-inclusive gospel. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
25/04/2025.