“He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.” Acts 10:3, 4.
6. Because Cornelius's ways pleased the Lord, was this evidence that he had nothing more to learn or do?
“And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.” Verses 5, 6.
Note.—The reason why the Lord favored Cornelius with a visit from one of His angels, was not because Cornelius knew the way of salvation perfectly, but because the Lord saw in him a sincere desire for more light, and a willing mind to comply with every known requirement. That spirit was pleasing to God, and He therefore opened the way for Cornelius to learn the whole truth from Peter, that he might be saved. God never changes. He does the same now with sincere, devoted persons. All may now receive advanced light, if, like Cornelius, they seek it, and are willing to walk in it when it comes to them. If it is neglected, they are guilty before God, and will be left to the buffetings of the enemy.
7. What will become of the light which one has if he fails to walk in it?
“The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.” Luke 11:34, 35.
8. Why did Christ say that the sin of those who rejected Him remained?
“Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” John 9:41. See also John 15:22.
Note.—With advanced light comes increased responsibility. Duty is always in proportion to one's light and privileges. Present truth always brings with it present duty. See reading on “Present Truth,” page [131].
9. Why are those condemned that do not come to the light?