Grace Alone

Throughout the history of the church there have been councils and for lack of a better term, business meetings determining the truth that should be taught in regards to Christianity.

For Example, the council of Nicea. This took place in 365 AD to discuss the nature and divinity of Jesus Christ.

This is where we get the Nicene Creed.

Excerpt about Jesus:

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.

As Baptist, we have done this sort of thing too.

We are studying in SS the very document that has our statement of belief.

This particular one was established b/c the inerrancy of scripture was being challenged.

So, Baptist got together and hammered out the BF&M 2000 to stand firm in the truth of Scripture.

These events don’t happen in isolation. In fact, they happen b/c there is something combating the truth of Scripture.

There is a heresy being taught and not just taught but embraced.

For the Council of Nicea it was being taught that Jesus was not eternal and is not the part of the trinity.

For the SBC they fought for the Authority and inerrancy of Scripture.

There are more examples than these two, but we won’t go into any more of them.

There are some fights that are worth fighting.

In Acts 15 the church is growing, but there are some teachings that are leading people astray.

What is at stake in Acts 15? The basis of salvation.

What does one have to do to be saved?

How is one saved?

Law and grace?

Moses and Jesus?

Was the work on the cross Sufficient to save or do we need to obey the law of Moses too?

Acts 15:1–5 ESV

1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

The Problem

So there were Jews who told Gentiles that they need to obey the law of moses and be circumcised before they can be welcomed into the Jesus movement.

Paul and Barnabas heard this being taught and had “no small dissension and debate with them.”

They were enraged and made a big deal about this teaching.

Paul and Barnabas had saw some amazing things.

God was blessing their ministry and not one time did any of those that believed have to submit to circumcision or the law.

So news spread that this was happening and a council in Jerusalem was called together to help settle the matter.

Paul and Barnabas made their way to Jerusalem (250 miles) but they stopped on the way and visited different believers.

Phoenicia-mostly gentiles

Samaria-mixed breeds

As they told about others coming to know and trust the messiah joy was being spread.

Every time someone places their trust in Jesus we should rejoice. There should be shouts from the rooftop.

Paul and Barnabas arrived to attend the council they were welcomed by the leaders of the Jerusalem Church and they recounted all that God had done while they were reaching the Gentiles with the gospel.

But there were some there that rose up against Paul and Barnabas.

They were the Pharisees of the “circumcision party” (the worst party in all of history)

The problem as far as the Pharisees could see was not that the gentiles were coming to Christ its that they weren’t becoming Jews first.

As we have read before there were non-Jewish people that worshipped God. They were called the God-fearers.

Then there was another group. They were the proselytes. These were Gentiles who not only worshipped God but wanted to participate fully in the Jewish Lifestyle.

They were converting not only to the one they worship but to the law commanded in the Torah.

Food laws, ritual cleansing laws, etc.

So the Pharisees believed that in order to enjoy the benefits of the Jewish messiah one must become Jewish First.

So how is one saved?

Acts 15:6–21 ESV

6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” 12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, 16 “ ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’ 19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

The Grace Debate

Theology is important. How we do theology is important.

The fact that they gathered to debate a topic that to both sides seemed like a cut and dry easy to solve decision is important for us to see.

We can disagree on many things when it comes to theology, but we must agree on the essentials.

We can disagree on how the end times will look.

Modes of Baptism. Women in Church leadership.

We can disagree on how to best reach our community.

We can disagree on songs that we sing.

We can disagree on non-essentials.

BUT We cannot disagree about the essentials of our faith.

What was being presented here is an essential doctrine. A core belief.

How are we accepted into the family of God.

Arguments were made on both sides.

One Side argued Jesus + Moses was the way to salvation.

The other side argued Jesus alone as the way to salvation.

This isn’t an agree to disagree scenario. Only one of them can be right.

Not two sides of the same coin.

Jesus was enough or he wasn’t.

Too often we read about the Pharisees and we mock them or are very harsh toward them.

Now here we see that these were believing Pharisees.

These weren’t the same type of Pharisees that we read about in the gospels.

No these were men that recognized Jesus as the Messiah and worshipped him as the savior.

They were committed to the teachings and following Jesus.

But as Jews they were also committed to following the law of moses.

They were naturally having an issue distinguishing between their Freedom in Christ and the rules of their religion.

Their conscious was still bound to the rules.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing as long as it doesn’t replace grace.

And as long as you don’t take your convictions and try to force it on someone else especially when your conviction doesn’t necessarily align with Scripture.

Let’s go with a grounded example so you can see what I am saying.

Let’s say that you have a strong conviction against drinking alcohol.

Maybe you grew up and your parents were alcoholics.

Maybe you were taught your whole life that alcohol is the devil.

Regardless on the reason’s why you are against alcohol you stand staunchly opposed to it.

But let’s say there is someone in here that likes to have a glass of wine with dinner.

Or a beer out with their buddies.

Champagne to celebrate a joyous occasion.

Who is wrong in this situation?

Neither of you.

What would be wrong is if the one who abstains from alcohol tried to force the one that doesn’t to fall into their same belief.

Or you make it a requirement for them to stop drinking if they want to be in fellowship with the church.

The Bible never says that alcohol is bad.

Anytime it prohibits alcohol consumption it is always in the realm of excess.

But anything in excess is sinful.

Its a harsh reality, but let us not forget that legalism is the default position of the heart.

We want to add to the requirements of Scripture.

We want our rules to be followed.

We want to be the gate keepers.

If someone shows up to church and they don’t look like us, act like us, or worship like us we start to get uncomfortable and maybe even a little worried about their salvation.

We tend to major on the minors.

Rather than wondering if they have a faithful and committed relationship with Jesus we want them to conform.

Rather than watching their lives and seeing if they are bearing fruit we want them to comply.

We love to make in and out crowds.

We draw a dividing line.

And usually our dividing line doesn’t match up with God’s Dividing line.

So, anytime the thought crosses your mind that they can’t be a christian if…stop for a second.

I have heard things like this:

They can’t be a christian if they smoke.

They can’t be a christian if they drink.

They can’t be a christian if they have tattoos.

They can’t be a christian if they don’t read the same version of the bible as me.

They can’t be a christian if they dress this way or that way.

They can’t be a christian if they voted democrat.

And sometimes, we say they can’t be a christian just because they sin differently than we do.

These Pharisees were doing the same thing.

Excluding b/c they were following their rules.

They were saying:

These gentiles can’t be Christians if…

they don’t get circumcised.

They don’t adhere to the law of moses.

They don’t believe like we do.

The Pharisees had a biblical basis for claiming what they were claiming.

God had instituted circumcision as one of the markers of his people.

God had commanded and commissioned Abraham to circumcise all in his household and in his family so that they were distinct from the nations around them.

The law of moses was given directly to moses from God Almighty and dictated how God’s people were called to live.

These were the rules for the people of God.

But what they forgot and we too often forget is grace.

That grace is essential for salvation.

Faith is essential for salvation.

Rules bind us. Rules tie us. Rules are heavy chains and if we look to them for salvation then we are looking in the wrong place.

Jesus came and fulfilled the law perfectly.

Jesus came to free us from the chains of sin.

Jesus came to free us from the chains of law.

Jesus came to give life to all men so that they wouldn’t have to be bound to the law that condemns.

Peter was the first to step up and boldly defend this.

He experience the power of God’s grace when he was called to minister to Cornelius in Acts 10.

He reminds those present that from the beginning the message and reality of God was meant to go to the Gentiles.

Genesis 12:3 ESV

3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

And Peter Witnessed the same HS fall on the Gentiles as had fallen on them at Pentecost.

He had seen the will of God poured out on those who had not recieved the law.

But even though they had not recieved the law they had been shown grace.

Because God looked on them and saw the faith in their heart.

And now these Pharisees were trying to add to the work of God by yoking the gentiles to the law.

They were trying to rebind what God had loosed.

They were trying to force on the Gentiles what the Pharisees and their fathers could not hold on to.

The requirements of the law were never meant to save us.

They were designed and given so that we can look at them an know that there had to be a better way.

They were designed to show us our need for the one that would free us from the burden of law.

Under the law we stand condemned and face eternity separated from God.

Then Jesus came and he fulfilled the law perfectly.

He came and did what we never could and satisfied the law of God on our behalf.

He then offers us his perfection.

Not through requirements.

Not through following a new set of rules.

But through extending grace out to us.

Graciously offering to cleanse us and absolve us from the guilt we stand under.

Peter in his speech says something that would have turned the Jewish worldview upside down.

What he said would have flown in the face of the super religious of their day.

He said:

Acts 15:11 ESV

11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

Rather than the Gentiles become like the Jews, the Jews need to become like the gentiles and recognize Grace is the way to salvation.

This would have been shocking for those present.

The law that they had been upholding.

The law that informed their life.

The law that marked them as a separated people from the gentiles needed to be overthrown and grace needed to be their mindset.

No doubt they were confused, dumbfounded, and at a loss for words.

“And all the assembly fell silent.”

Paul and Barnabas offer their two cents about the fact that God had been blessing their ministry to the Gentiles by providing signs and wonders on their journeys.

James stood up and wanted to address those present.

This is James the brother of Jesus.

He is an influential leader at the church in Jerusalem.

He has the respect of all those present.

He uses his influence and respect to agree with Peter, Paul, and Barnabas about what God is doing for the Gentiles.

James tells them that God is taking a people for himself from the Gentiles.

This is significant because he is using the same language that is used in Reference to Israel.

That God has invited in those who were once without hope and allowing them to enter into a restored relationship with him.

That these Gentiles that believe in Jesus are now no different from the Jews who believe.

Much like when Paul wrote:

Galatians 3:28 ESV

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

When people give their life to Jesus.

When they submit to His authority.

When they are called into the Family of God they are now a new creation.

There is now no distinction between us as a race, ethnicity, social class, intelligence or any other dividing wall.

We are now unified by the great unifier Jesus Christ.

He is what we use to distinguish ourselves from the world.

Not rules. Not regulations. Not conformity. But Love.

Our love for him and our love for others.

That is the mark of a Jesus follower. How do you love others.

Notice that we are all one in Christ Jesus.

He has made us a new creation.

We are different. We are united. If we all stand before the cross we are all equal.

No one is greater. No one is lesser. We all are bowing down and worshipping at his feet.

James quotes the prophet Amos here in v. 16-18 He is showing us that God’s Chosen people had rejected the promised savior so God is drawing out a new chosen people to rebuild his purposes.

So God took their rejection and from of old was calling Gentiles to himself to rebuild a remnant of faithful worshippers.

From of Old God was reaching and calling out Gentiles.

Abraham was a gentile before God used him.

Melchizedek was a Gentile King and Priest that worshipped God.

Job was from Edom therefore not Jewish.

The Ninevites that repented due to the message brought to them by a reluctant Jonah.

Rahab the Prostitute.

Ruth the Moabite.

Both are found in the genealogy of Jesus.

God is restoring his people through any that will call on his name.

Any that will seek his face.

Any who will be faithful to his cause.

And because God is calling the nations. To respond in faith and not based on the rule code given to the Israelites James comes to the conclusion that

Acts 15:19–21 ESV

19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

This is the final ruling decided upon by the church leadership.

They don’t have to adhere to the law of moses.

Because the law of moses doesn’t save.

Jesus saves.

But, he does outline some restrictions.

A letter is drafted to the gentiles and they receive instruction from this Jerusalem council.

Acts 15:22–35 ESV

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” 30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

So there these lists are requirements for salvation rather they are all in view of keeping fellowship with those that want to adhere to the law.

No Food Sacrificed to Idols

No Blood in the Food

No food that has been strangled

And Sexual Immorality.

All of these have to do with remaining in fellowship with the Jewish believers that are still holding onto the law.

they are still trying to be faithful to the law.

There is nothing wrong with them holding on to the law as long as they know that it doesn’t save them.

There is nothing wrong with you holding onto your convictions.

As long as you recognize that they won’t save you.

Salvation isn’t found in what you do or how well you behave.

Salvation is found in grace alone through faith alone.

Jesus fulfilled the law b/c we couldn’t.

Jesus offers us grace b/c we can’t earn it.

However sometimes we should abstain from certain freedoms when we want to stay in relationship with other believers.

So for the leaders and elders in Jerusalem they wanted the gentiles and Jews to stay in a relationship.

They wanted them to get together and grow together.

So the rules outlined are not about morality but they are about purity.

All of the things listed are those that would happen during pagan worship.

All of these requests were things directly related to idol worship.

So they wanted these Gentile believers to not be sucked in by idolatry.

That’s like if I come to you and say,

“Hey, I think it would be best and God honoring if you stop partaking in Astrology.”

It’s a wisdom issue not a salvation issue.

1 Corinthians 10:23 ESV

23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.

We have to use the brain, relationships, and biblical knowledge to do those things that glorify God and encourage others.

The letter sent was read and everyone was excited b/c of the results.

They weren’t gonna be bound to the chains of the law.

They weren’t going to have to be circumcised.

They were welcome into the family of God by those who previously excluded them.

This is the Joy of the gospel.

There is freedom in Christ.

You don’t have to try and appease God.

You have to rely on grace alone.

It is only b/c of God’s grace that you have been called into relationship with him.

I want to leave you with a note from Paul when he wrote Galatians.

It’s convicting really has to do with what was happening at this time

Galatians is most likely the first letter written by Paul and he is most likely referencing something like what happened at the beginning of this chapter.

This is what he says.

Galatians 1:6–10 ESV

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Don’t forget the Grace of God.

That is at the heart of the gospel.

Nothing else can compare.

Nothing else can measure up.

Nothing else can sustain.

Nothing else can restore.

Nothing else can make new.

NOTHING BUT GRACE.

You can’t add to your salvation.

You can’t add to someone else’s salvation.

Jesus is the only one who saves.

If you are a believer and follower of Jesus I want you to know that there is grace to be had.

It doesn’t stop at the time that you follow after him, but it endures every minute of everyday.

Grace abounds when you sin.

Grace abounds when you’re weak.

Grace abounds when you doubt.

Grace abounds when you fell alone.

Grace abounds and is available to you.

If you haven’t given your life to Christ, his grace is offered to you as well.

You stand condemned under the Law, but Christ offers you forgiveness.

Christ offers to make you clean.

Christ offers to declare you innocent.

That’s the good news of the gospel.

You don’t have to earn it, You don’t deserve it, but God offers it.

He is extending his hand of forgiveness.