Acts 15 – Essence of the Gospel

The thing I like about Acts 15 is that it reminds me of the essence of the gospel. The chapter opens with a heated argument between Paul and Barnabas and Jewish Christians from Judea. The argument was over traditions and customs established under the Law of Moses. The Jewish Christians argued that one must adhere to the customs of the Law to be saved. The debate could not be resolved so representatives were sent to Jerusalem to present their position to the apostles and elders.

When they get to Jerusalem and present their cases the apostles and elders begin to discuss the issue. During the discussion Peter makes some very important points (my emphasis added).

“Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”  --Acts 15:7-11 (ESV)

Peter’s words convey that it is by God’s choice that we, Gentiles, would hear the message of the gospel. And that he would send us the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts. Nothing in that narrative indicates that we can do anything to merit our salvation. It is through grace by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved. This idea stands in stark contrast to the position of the Jewish Christians.

The point Peter is making is that no adherence to any religious custom or tradition can save us, and even if it could, no one is capable of meeting that standard or bearing the weight of that standard. If the Law was our only option we are in a hopeless situation. But God chose to provide another means by which our relationship can be restored to Him, and that is through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

A short while later James reinforces Peter’s claim that Gentiles would also share in the salvation offered by God by quoting Amos 9:11-12. Not only does this prophesy state that “ALL the nations” would seek the Lord, but that God is the active agent in their seeking.

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.’ – Acts 15:16-18

Notice the repetition of the phrase “I will”. That’s God speaking. Again, we see God as the active agent. It is all part of God’s plan and his work. We are just recipients of his grace and mercy.

James concludes by suggesting that instead of placing the burden of the Law on Gentiles, encourage them to “abstain” from their former practices of idolatry and sin, or in other words repent.

As I reflect on some of the conversations I’ve had in the recent past and even some of the thoughts I have regarding works, serving, worship and other things like that, I’m ashamed at how many time I can recall where I’ve said or had thoughts that were similar to the Jewish Christians. I know and believe that my salvation is based solely on the belief that Jesus lived, died and was resurrected so that I would be in right standing before God. There is nothing I can do to merit or secure my salvation. That was done on the cross. But I still have moments where I backslide into thinking that worship should be done a certain way, or the gospel should be preached a certain way and other things like that, but the truth of the matter is that as long as hearts are repenting and God is glorified then we “will do well”.

Prayer –

Father, you are sovereign and just. Please forgive me for the times where I think I can tell the condition of other’s hearts by the way they worship or serve you. You and only you know the condition of their hearts. You and only you know the true condition to my heart. I pray that I my heart would be fully repenting and that my motives would be pure. You have called me your service for your glory. I pray that I would never get in the way of that. Thank you for your Word and the opportunities to commune with you through it. Thank you for your Son and his willingness to die for me on the cross. Thank you for sending your Spirit to dwell in my heart to be made new. It’s in the powerful name of your Son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ that I pray. Amen.

Marty Pina | Elder

Marty and Cecily began attending Hutto Bible Church in August of 2008. They both began living out their faith in 2003 while attending Gateway Community Church in Austin. They were married there in 2004. Marty serves in children's ministry, as a small group leader, small group coordinator and as a shepherd. Cecily has served as a C-group leader in student ministry in the past. She currently serves on the worship team and co-leads a small group and co-shepherds with Marty. Marty is currently employed as a network engineer for Time Warner Cable. Cecily is a medical billing software trainer for Brightree. They have two daughters, Alexis (19) and Zoe (7).