FRIDAY January 22, 2021

The Gospel of Grace

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them [Peter, James and John] that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
Galatians 2:1-2

Paul the Apostle was set to defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His apostleship and knowledge of the Gospel came by a supernatural revelation. He was given a divine appointment where he had a face-to face-encounter with Christ––amazing.

Three years after his conversion, Paul came to Jerusalem to see Peter and the elders, at that time; he had just escaped from Damascus. Fourteen years later, Paul would travel to Jerusalem for a second time. He had been carrying out ministry in Syria and Cilicia, close to his home town. Barnabas and Titus were with him as he came to Jerusalem to meet with Peter, James and John––the Fathers of the Church.

Paul taught Christian doctrine––salvation was by faith alone in Jesus Christ––whereas the elders of the Church in Jerusalem believed that in order to be saved a Gentile had to first be circumcised and keep the Law according to the custom of Moses. The entire problem was discussed, and the story was captured for us in Acts 15, as all Jews were circumcised, unlike the heathens.

The elders in Jerusalem agreed with Paul that a person was saved by faith alone. They sent Paul with letters to all churches notifying them regarding the Church’s final decision on the matter. However, later, while visiting Antioch, Peter who had now begun eating with Gentiles, compromised and separated himself from them when Christians Jews came visiting from Jerusalem. Paul was directed by God to come and rebuke Peter.

Have you compromised the Gospel of Christ so you can excuse your current lifestyle? Will you not repent and change your ways to obey the Gospel?

A man sent to preach is a man whose mind is constantly turning to this one thing.
~lain H. Murray~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!