Saved by the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

We have seen lots of challenges met by the disciples and early church in the past chapters - both internally and externally. In Ch15, we see the greatest issue that the church could ever face - the free offer of the Gospel to the Gentiles. We now come to the moment that is most serious as the core of the church is in question - the very way which we are saved - by faith through grace.

Paul speaks so fiercely against otherwise (i.e. salvation by grace plus works).

Why is it so serious? Grace is at stake.

*Issue:

Circumcision in order to be saved

This is somewhat understandable for in 2000 years, it had been a requirement to be circumcised in order to join the physical people of God. But what is 'crazy' is the belief that through adding circumcision to grace, sin is atoned for.

It downplays the holiness of God and the sinfulness of men.

Adding to the craziness is that these people knew Jesus and His role in our salvation but still believed in this. Isn't it offensive to God?

Saved people show good fruit but it is important to put distinction between the fruit and the root of salvation. Otherwise we put works in the stead of the grace of God.

*Response:

Serious and decisive.

The apostles see this as a primary and central issue. This is an issue that must be articulated and imposed on any church that calls itself Christian.

Peter reminds us of the story of the vision in Joppa (Acts 10) when a sheet-like object descended where God revealed to him that His redemptive plan included Jews and Gentiles.

*Rebuke

Peter rebukes them in Ch10. "Why do you put God to the test?" When you look at yourself and others and see the slow growth, what conclusion do you arrive at?

What should be the basis of our assurance? It is the root - which is the grace of God. The only way to grow in holiness is to know you are saved.

- "by placing a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear"

The great lesson of the OT is that it is only through the grace of the Messiah that we are saved not by our works.

Do we look at our works to gain assurance for our salvation?

Do we impose rules and standards for others to assure they are saved?

Look to Christ. He is our salvation.