Tag: no distinction
Saved by grace alone!
Scripture reading for May 4th: 1st Samuel 21-22, 1st Chronicles 5, Psalm 52, Acts 15
Acts 15: 7-11 “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. And God, Who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us, and He made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 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? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.””
Old religious habits and rituals die hard. The Jewish believers had a hard time with Gentiles now being saved. Some of them insisted that the Gentiles become circumcised. This matter was discussed in a meeting of the Apostles and church leaders in Jerusalem. Peter had listened to the testimonies of Paul and Barnabas and the arguments of those advocating circumcision. He stood up and spoke from his experience with God directing him to go to Cornelius’ home and preach the Gospel. The Holy Spirit was poured out even as he spoke. God made no distinction between Jew or Gentile, but He had saved all who believed through the grace of the Lord Jesus! Amen! God grants equal opportunity to all through grace.
Psalm 52:8-9 “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank You forever because You have done it. I will wait for Your Name, for It is good, in the presence of the godly.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your simple Gospel message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, Your Son! Help me to keep it simple and straight-forward. Alert me to any attempt by men or religion to add tradition or works as a condition. I trust in Your steadfast love demonstrated in Jesus Christ’s shed blood to keep me safe forever and ever!
1st Samuel 22:5, 23 “Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.”.. . . “Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping.”