The Bible says that “the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word” in Cornelius’ house (Acts 10:44). Many have decided that this means that the Gentiles were saved at this point. However, the Bible never says that they were saved when the Holy Spirit fell upon them, and in fact, it says just the opposite.
Cornelius was told by an angel of the Lord that Peter would come and “tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved” (11:14). The “words” of the gospel are essential for salvation (Rom. 1:16; 10:9-17; Jas. 1:21). Peter reported, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them…” (11:15). Before they heard the “words” by which they could “be saved,” the Spirit fell upon them. Therefore, the Bible says that they were not saved yet at that point.
Then, when were Cornelius and his household saved? Peter “commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (10:48). Why? For the same reason he commanded the Jews—“for the remission of sins” (2:38). The Bible is consistent in God’s plan of salvation.
