TUESDAY January 26, 2021

Accepted by God

“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”
Acts 10:35

Paul received from the Lord a clear message of the Gospel. He taught doctrine that showed believers were no longer under the Law but under grace. Interestingly, in Acts 10, it was Peter who received a clear message from the Lord through a vision given to him. He knew the Gentiles had received salvation and also witnessed firsthand how the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the Gentiles.

Peter should have known better than to side with Judaizers. Remember, Peter had said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.” But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him (Acts 10:35). The Apostle Paul met with Peter earlier in his ministry, but had left for a span of fourteen years.

Meanwhile, Peter had compromised the Gospel tremendously. Peter sided with those teaching circumcision and the Law. Peter fellowshipped with Jews and Gentiles but separated himself from Gentiles when eating and drinking with the Jews. Paul in Antioch confronted him as if to say, “Peter, why do you walk two sides of the street?”

Paul knew the Gospel message. It had been given to him by divine revelation. Paul knew without a doubt, people were saved by grace! Paul made a stand. There was no possible way he was going to compromise the Gospel. He would not change to teach false doctrine that combined the Gospel of grace with circumcision. It would bring people back into bondage to the Law.

Thank God Paul confronted Peter later in Antioch; otherwise can you imagine the mess the Church would be in today? If Paul did not help to correct this false teaching, about the need for circumcision for salvation, there would be no Church! Salvation is the free gift of God given to anyone who believes in Christ. This is their liberty––the grace of God!

There are two things to do about the Gospel––believe it and behave it.
~Susanna Wesley~

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