Defining The Gospel (part 2)

Last time we saw the demand to define the gospel. We learned that gospel definition is demanded when there is false teaching and unbiblical tradition.

Paul and Barnabas have left Antioch and journeyed to Jerusalem to gather the church leaders and answer this vital question.

Does salvation come by grace through faith, or are works required?

Here we are 2000 years later, still encountering those who teach a works based salvation.

I mention that to remind us that this passage, this debate, is highly relevant today.

We need to understand what led the apostles to define the gospel.

That understanding will enable us to stand firm on the clear gospel of Jesus Christ.

Standing firm on the clear gospel will provide opportunity to declare it.

1. Decided By Unity vv. 6-11

As we read through these verses we discover 3 factors that led the apostles to their decision.

Factor #1…

1. Decided By Unity vv. 6-11

Several places in the NT we are confronted with an unshakable reality.

In the body of Christ, all believers are equal.

We are equal in our position and standing before Christ, equal in our need of Him, and equal in the method of our salvation.

One purpose of this equality is unity.

The reality of our equality is designed to help us recognize that we are one in Christ.

This reality helps to shape the decision that is made.

Three area’s of unity appear in the following verses.

The first area is…

vv. 6-11 – Peter speaks about there being no distinction. (Would this be after or before Paul’s confrontation in Galatians? After seems to fit the context best.)

a. Unity in salvation’s process vv. 6-7

READ v. 6

In v. 4 the church, the apostles, and the elders receive them. Now the elders and apostles come together. This is a matter about which there needs to be agreement.

Agreement is reached through discussion. That’s what we see in v. 7.

READ v. 7

They have a large debate.

It is after this debate that Peter get’s up to speak.

The events Peter refers to took place in . That is when the Lord taught Peter a vital lesson. Peter recounts this lesson in 10:28. Peter went to the house of a Gentile and led many people to Christ!

Peter’s point in reminding them of these events is to emphasize that all believers come to faith in the same way. The process of salvation is always the same!

Look at the verse. In order for the Gentiles to be saved, they have to hear the gospel message, and they have to believe it.

Hear and believe. That is the requirement.

gives a powerful affirmation to what Peter is saying here. Turn there please.

Romans 10:9–17 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

You cannot believe the gospel if you have not heard the gospel!

But once the gospel has been heard, salvation comes by belief.

Belief in what? The reality that Jesus died for sin and rose again!

Every believer comes to Jesus the same way, by belief in Him.

That is the process of salvation, hearing and belief.

Salvation is given when the gospel is heard and believed.

There is no mention of circumcision here because it is not part of the gospel. There is no mention of works, why? Because works are not part of the gospel.

We are all saved the same way. That is the first area of unity.

The second area is…

b. Unity in salvation’s proof vv. 8-9

READ vv. 8-9

Several important things to point out.

1 - Who knows the heart?

We don’t. It is not our job to attempt to judge hearts. We can test fruit to determine if someone is a false teacher. But sometimes false teachers are untaught believers. We don’t judge hearts. God does. Because He judges hearts, He knows that the Gentiles are genuine believers.

2 - Jews and Gentiles have the same Holy Spirit.

God affirms the reality of Gentile salvation through the giving of the Holy Spirit.

According to the Apostle John, this is one way I can have assurance of my salvation, the presence of the Holy Spirit (). In Romans, Paul puts it very bluntly. (S).

Romans 8:9 NKJV

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Gentiles demonstrates that they are already believers with no circumcision required.

That is the third point we need to make.

3 - There is no distinction in Salvation.

In the end of verse 8 Peter is recorded saying that the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles just as it was to the Jews.

In v. 9 he makes the further point that there is no distinction, all are saved by faith.

Why emphasize this? Peter is reminding all those present that salvation is not by circumcision, it is by faith.

We are saved by grace through faith. However, It is the presence of the Holy Spirit that is the proof of our salvation.

How do we know if the Holy Spirit is present in our lives? He bears fruit.

(S).

Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Peter’s argument here is given in three parts.

First is the reality that God sent him to the Gentiles, not to circumcise them, but to proclaim the gospel so that they could believe it.

The second part of Peter’s argument is that gave the Gentiles the Holy Spirit confirming their belief and salvation apart from circumcision.

Salvation is about faith, not works.

The final part of Peter’s argument is our third area of unity.

The third area is…

c. Unity in salvation’s procedure vv. 10-11

What Peter has only hinted at in the previous verses he now states plainly.

Salvation happens the same way for all believers.

READ vv. 10-11

Verse 10 is a vital part of Peter’s argument here. It is clearly stated by Paul in Galatians which I believe was written before this council. (S).

Galatians 5:2–3 NKJV

Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.

Circumcision was first a sign of the Abrahamic covenant. Later it became associated with Judaism and the Mosaic law. When the events recorded here took place circumcision was seen as a commitment to keep the law.

Peter’s point here is that the Law is impossible to keep! Paul also discusses this in Galatians. The Law was never meant to be perfectly kept, it was meant to show sinners the requirement for salvation, perfection. It was meant to awaken despair at ever being able to meet God's holy standard. This would make us ripe for Christ.

Peter is saying to his fellow Jews, “we couldn’t keep the law. Therefore, we are not saved by circumcision, we are saved by grace through faith! The Gentiles will be saved the same way.”

is so very relevant here (S).

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Not of works. Salvation is by grace through faith.

Peter states that to require the Gentiles to be circumcised and keep the law would be to test God. Why? Because it is not God’s requirement for the Gentiles.

Three areas of unity. Salvation’s process, proof, and procedure. We are saved the same way and confirmed the same way. There is equality in the body of Christ.

Gentiles are saved the same way as Jews.

This is the first factor in the decision of the apostles and elders.

A second factor in the decision here is found in v. 12.

2. Decided By Deity v. 12

Having discussed the reality that salvation is the same no matter your ethnicity, Barnabas and Paul are given opportunity to share what they had experienced on their missionary journey.

Addressed in this verse is a central issue. What does God have to say about Gentile salvation?

Ultimately, this is what matters. The opinions of men do not determine either doctrine or practice. It is the unchanging Word of God that is our guide.

The testimony of Paul and Barnabas details how God guided as the brought the gospel to the Gentiles.

They give their presentation in two parts.

Part one deals with…

a. God’s miracles v. 12a

READ v. 12

God did miracles and wonders in bringing the Gentiles to Himself.

God blinded Elymas in ch. 13. In ch. 14 God heals a crippled man through Paul and miraculously heals Paul after he is stoned. All of these miracles resulted in people being saved.

If God is miraculously intervening to bring Gentiles to faith in Christ, we dare not stand against Him.

The way this verse is worded leaves us with little doubt that even more miracles were performed than we have recorded.

God is bringing Gentiles to Himself.

God is not requiring them to be circumcised. He is actively revealing His power!

After discussing the miracles done by God, Paul and Barnabas move to the second part which deals with…

b. God’s method v. 12b

READ v. 12

How does God perform miracles?

Notice what is stated here. Through them. God works miracles and wonders through Paul and Barnabas.

This is still God’s primary method of acting in the world. He does so through believers.

We are designed to be the hands and feet of God in our society. Not because social interaction and intervention will save someone. No. We minister to the needs of those around us that we might have the opportunity to proclaim Christ to them.

That is exactly what took place as God worked miracles through Paul and Barnabas among the Gentiles.

God performs miracles to draw people to Himself.

God is revealing Himself to the Gentiles. He is not requiring circumcision.

Salvation by grace through faith is being declared to them just as it was to the Jews.

God Himself has intervened to bring Gentiles to Himself. This is the second factor in the decision of the apostles and elders.

This section ends with the final factor in their decision.

3. Decided By Sovereignty vv. 13-21

Peter has made his case, Gentiles are saved just as Jews. Salvation is by grace through faith.

Paul and Barnabas have made their case. God miraculously intervened to reveal Himself and draw Gentiles to salvation.

What all the speakers do is glorify God for what He has done in saving gentiles and making the only requirement be that of faith.

Now the leader of the Jerusalem church will make his case.

What must be understood about salvation is that it lies in the realm of a sovereign God.

We are not in control of salvation. We plant and water, but God brings the increase.

God is the eternal architect of salvation. It is His plan, it belongs to Him, and He has determined that salvation is by grace through faith.

James ties all that has been said together as he declares the sovereignty of God.

James first presents that God’s…

a. Sovereign activity vv. 13-17

In these verses James describes God as acting to claim and to call.

READ vv. 13-14

James demonstrates his leadership ability in several ways here.

First, He waits for silence.

He doesn’t shout them down. He doesn’t pull rank. There is no heated argument. James simply waits for things to get quiet before he speaks.

If we are going to address difficulties and differences in the church, we need to wait for people to calm down and quiet down.

When silence reigns, hearts are open to change.

Second, He reminds them of their unity. They are men and brethren.

To resolve crisis in the church, we must first remember our unity. We are brothers and sisters! We are part of the body of Christ!

Third, He points them to God.

This is so vital. Disunity and disagreement are birthed out of self-focus. When we get our eyes back on God, back on Jesus; disunity fades.

James reminds them that Gentile salvation was God’s idea.

God visited the Gentiles. God acted to claim from their ranks people for Himself.

These are the actions of a sovereign God. How do we know that? We keep reading.

READ vv. 15-17

Here God acts to call out people for Himself.

The fact that these men are prophets already demonstrates the sovereignty of God. James quotes .

ii. Acting to call vv. 15-17

What James is emphasizing in these verses is that God had already predicted what Peter is now proclaiming.

What is being stated?

Gentile salvation has always been a part of God’s plan!

God calls them to Himself in His will and timing.

1. Calling through prophets vv. 15-16

God is sovereign in His activity.

v. 15 – Gentile salvation has always been a part of God’s plan!

He claims for Himself those He has called.

2. Calling through predestination v. 17

Why is this important today? Because this is still how God operates.

James also presents God’s…

b. Sovereign authority vv. 18-21

READ v. 18

God has eternal, timeless, authority.

God has known His works from eternity. The plan of God for Gentile salvation is an eternal plan!

v. 18 – God has known His works from eternity. The plan of God for Gentile salvation is an eternal plan!

James is making a very strong case here. Not only are they all saved the same way and given the Holy Spirit as Peter declared. Not only is God directly and miraculously intervening to call Gentiles to Himself as Paul and Barnabas declare. This has always been God’s plan!

From eternity past, the plan of God was to save Gentiles.

He works and acts as He sees fit. He has absolute authority to do these things because it is His plan. He is God, we are not.

Not only does He have eternal authority, it is an established authority.

READ vv. 19-20

The Gentiles are already turning to God. To, in essence, change the rules on them now would cause undue hurt and pain.

In light of God’s obvious acceptance of them, human rules and regulations will only detract from what God is doing.

Rather than imposing a work needed for salvation, James proposes that they give some practical guidance to their new Gentile brothers and sisters.

That is my understanding of verse 20. The bigger picture of what James is advocating is that of holiness. He wants them to be separate, to be pure. These are not requirements for salvation. Rather these are suggestions that will aid in sanctification.

READ v. 21

The whole point of this verse seems to be the testimony of the Gentiles believers among the Jews.

James wants these new converts to avoid alienating the Jewish people that they might have opportunities to tell them about Christ.

Also, this would make fellowship within the body of Christ easier.

James has an opportunity here to tell these Gentiles that they need to be under the law. He doesn’t. Instead he speaks of the need to be holy to preserve their testimony.

God’s eternal plan is not ours to change.

What is fascinating is that there is no vote taken, nor is there any plot to make the gospel something it was not.

What all the speakers do is glorify God for what He has done in saving Gentiles and making the only requirement for salvation be that of faith.

Conclusion

So what? Why should we care? Why does this matter to us today?

Ultimately the decision to define the gospel comes from who God is and what He is doing.

God doesn’t change.

Ultimately the decision to define the gospel comes from who God is and what He is doing.

Therefore.

Salvation hasn’t changed. It is still by grace through faith.

God is still active in bringing people to Himself.

God is sovereign in His authority calling Gentiles to faith in Christ according to His plan and purpose.

These godly men and women have concluded that God's way of salvation remains unchanged. It has always been by grace through faith.

This understanding is powerful for us today because We preach the same message that Peter did on the day of Pentecost.

Believe.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

May that be both our personal belief and our public message.

Acts 15:6–21 NKJV

Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’ “Known to God from eternity are all His works. Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

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