MONDAY July 24, 2023
Questioning God’s Grace
And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.
Acts 15:1-2
Acts 15 is a very important chapter. Certain Jews among the believers in the Church of Antioch became legalistic teachers. They proposed that Gentile believers had to become circumcised according to the Law of Moses if they wanted to be saved. The Bible does not teach that. We are saved by grace, not according to the Law of Moses. The Law condemns us because we all have sinned and broken God’s Law. We are guilty! What the Law does is to show people their need for Jesus Christ.
These were the difficult problems Paul and Barnabas faced in the early church. So Paul, Barnabas, and certain others decided to go to discuss the question of works, grace and faith with the elders in the church council in Jerusalem. They shared with them how certain Jews were teaching Gentiles that they needed to be circumcised to be saved. This was so troublesome because they brought legalism into the Church.
Be careful when you encounter someone legalistic in the church. They will try to pull you back into bondage––away from grace and into works for salvation. In the past, the progress of the Gospel has often been hindered by legalistic people who have a closed mind. In being dogmatic about rules, they block the way for others to come into the kingdom of God.
Teaching that is not biblical can destroy a person. The Gospel when taught correctly gives people hope. Be careful when you share your faith. Make sure you do not condemn people. Share the love and grace of God with them. Give testimony how God has completely changed your life!
I say salvation is the free gift of God. It is God’s free grace, I preach unto you, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Jesus Christ justifies the ungodly. Jesus Christ passed by and saw you polluted with your blood and bid you live.
~George Whitefield~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
