Legalism

Acts 15:1-20

Some Jews had come down from Judea and were teaching that the newly converted Gentiles should be circumcised. Unless they agreed, they could not be saved. As you would expect, Paul and Barnabas disagreed. So they were dispatched to Jerusalem to get the matter settled once for all. At the assembly they reminded the apostles and elders that God Himself said that the Gentiles should hear the gospel. And God, as another evidence, gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit having cleansed their hearts by faith. Paul's then asked heatedly, 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? Good point! The law was never successfully kept by anyone. Paul went on to say, But we believe we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will. At this point the assemble grew silent. No more dissension! 

Paul and Barnabas went on to tell of what signs and wonders God had done through the Gentiles. Then came the response. James, the head of the church in Jerusalem, agreed that God had taken from the Gentiles a people for His name, and that the Jews should no longer trouble the Gentiles with ceremonial law issues. The only areas of consideration were: abstaining from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood. And it seemed good to everyone.

Satan had been defeated once again. How often he has used the legalism tactic! People do love to think they can earn their way, or increase their worth by doing certain things. It feeds our basic human pride. But Jesus said no. Anything believers have and are is because of Jesus. He has covered in His blood and His righteousness. It is more than we can truly understand. We just have to accept on faith. This is the gracious gift that God gave so that we might be reconciled to Him!

Father,

Thank You for gracing me with Your grace, for saving me with Your salvation, and for keeping me with Your Spirit until You call me home.

In Jesus name,

Amen