a little gecko blog

Cornelius, Saul and the eunuch offer us a complete picture of what it means to have “saving faith” or eternal life.          J. W. McGarvey’s Original Commentary on Acts

First, in the cases of the eunuch and Cornelius , there was the visible appearance of an angel; and many converts of modern times have related, as part of their experience in conversion, similar apparitions. But there certainly was not in Saul’s case the appearance of an angel; therefore, such an appearance is not necessary to conversion.

Second, The Lord himself appeared to Saul and conversed with him; but he certainly did not to either the eunuch or Cornelius. It is not necessary, then, to see the Lord.

Third, Saul mourned and prayed for three days after he believed, and before he was immersed; but Cornelius and the eunuch did not; therefore, protracted sorrow and prayer are not necessary to conversion.

Fourth, Cornelius was immersed in the Spirit, but Saul and the eunuch were not; therefore, immersion in the Spirit is not essential, but a circumstance arising from the peculiarity of a single case.

Then Peter answered, (47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be immersed, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? (48) And he commanded them to be immersed in the name of the Lord. (Acts 10:47-48)

” Baptism - immersion” is necessary for eternal life and part of “saving faith” or “Lordship Salvation” .