Was Cornelius already saved even though he was devout and feared God?
No. Though Cornelius was a devout Roman officer who feared God, gave alms, and prayed to the true God, he is described as lost. Religious devotion and prayer to the right God did not save him; he still needed the gospel.
Les explains that Cornelius was a Roman officer, a centurion over a hundred troops, and a devout man who feared God with all his household. He gave much of his income, gave alms, and prayed to God always. Yet Les emphasizes that despite this religious devotion and praying to the right God rather than a Roman god, Cornelius was still lost. Les notes that Peter's visit had a larger purpose: God was preparing Peter for an event 12 years later, revealed in Acts chapter 15.
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
More Questions
Was Cornelius lost before Peter brought him the gospel despite being devout and giving alms?
Cornelius was lost even though he was devout, prayed, believed in God, and gave alms.
Was Cornelius really saved before Peter came to him?
Cornelius was lost even though he was devout, prayed, believed in God, and gave alms, because the angel told him Peter would bring words by which he and his household would be saved.