WEDNESDAY July 26, 2023
Salvation by Faith and Saving Grace
So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
Acts 15:3-5
Paul and Barnabas left for Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders. They were well-received by the church. The Jerusalem council came together to consider the issue presented to them. Paul, Barnabas and Peter would give witness of how God had moved among the Gentiles. Together they had seen firsthand that by faith, and through the grace of God, the Gentiles had been saved, while others of the sect of the Pharisees insisted Gentiles had to be circumcised like them and keep the Law of Moses.
Sadly, legalism can keep people out of the Kingdom of God. There are legalistic teachings in churches that insist people keep certain rituals for their salvation. For instance, the Catholic Church affirms that the sacraments are necessary for salvation. This is not true.
The Bible teaches us about the grace of God. I know full well that I am a sinner; I miss the mark every day! When I fail, I can come to God through faith in Jesus Christ to ask for His forgiveness. If my confession to God is sincere, and I am truly repentant in my heart, then God will forgive me. I daily thank Him for His love, His grace, and His mercy. However, if a person is not repentant, God will not forgive them––it is an impossibility (1 John 1:9-10).
Do people see God’s grace working in your life? Do they see a change in the way you live your life in front of them? Do they see Jesus? If they do, they will be influenced toward the Cross––toward Christ and His saving grace.
Those who teach by their doctrine must teach by their life, or else they pull down with one hand what they build up with the other.
~Matthew Henry~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
