Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council ... when you first read it, you will probably respond like I always have that it was a problem that isn’t really relevant to me. After all, I really have never given a single thought to believing that circumcision is necessary for salvation. But as you dig into the passage you see that the issue at hand goes much deeper than circumcision and it is actually very relevant to life today and central to maintaining the integrity of the doctrine of justification.
What was the heart of the problem at the Jerusalem Council? Pride ... and it manifested itself in two different ways.
The Loss of Stature
The Jewish Christians were terrified at the thought of the new Gentile believers destroying the traditions that had characterized their faith and their families for centuries. I wonder if they were even terrified at the thought of even including the Gentiles at all ... that somehow by including the Gentiles they wouldn’t be as special or set apart.
Do you hold the traditions of your faith so hight that you are unwilling to accept new believers who may look different into your circle?
The Loss of Control
The Jewish Christians felt that if the new Gentile believers weren’t circumcised then they were not truly believers of Christ. This thought implies that Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross wasn’t enough to pay the penalty of our sins and that somehow something more was needed. This too is prevalent in our culture and if I am honest I can say that it is even prevalent in my life at times. We may say that we don’t believe in a works based gospel and that works aren’t required for our salvation, but so often that is not what we live and the gospel that we impose on others. Recognizing our sin and our separation from a Holy God and then repentance and acceptance of Jesus’ work on the cross is enough for salvation and for entry into the family of God. No other requirement is necessary for that salvation. Church ordinances, membership, or traditions aren’t necessary for salvation. Jesus’ work on the cross is enough. When we put ourselves in this position where we are striving and working to meet some bar or level of achievement we are pridefully saying that the work of Jesus isn’t enough. You are powerless to save yourself ... there is no work you can do.
What gospel are you living out in your life? Is it the true gospel of “salvation by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone” or does your life reflect a Jesus (+) gospel.
I am loving BSF! I found myself questioning every "tradition" to see if they were biblical or denominational during this study.
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