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"No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." -Acts 15:11  (NIV)

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God has made salvation easy to obtain. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16)." We just need to believe in Him that the work of Jesus Christ who died on the cross to bear our sins is enough and complete to grant us the future together with God in heaven.

It appeared that in the early year of Christianity in Antioch, some people came from Judea with a new teaching for the Gentiles that said that unless they were circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, they could not be saved (verse 1). This brought Paul and Barnabas into a sharp dispute and a debate. So they were sent to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this matter.

When they were in Jerusalem, some believers who were from the party of the Pharisees emphasized the importance for the Gentiles not only to be circumcised but also to keep the law of Moses. It means, men need to add their work (good deeds, rituals, diligent performances etc.) to the work of Jesus in order to get saved. That also means that what Jesus has done for the human kind was not enough. Apostle Peter refused this and said later that these people had tried to put a yoke on the neck of the Gentiles that neither them nor their ancestors had been able to bear (verse 10). 

It is impossible for a human being to obtain holiness by his own effort or by other ways except by the work of Jesus Christ. As Roman 3:10 says, "None is righteous, no, not one." This truth also brings a relief to each of us who is tired trying to be good and fulfill many obligations to be considered "worthy before God". 

God is love (1 John 4:8). Moreover He knows people's heart and gives the same Holy Spirit to anyone who believes in Him. He does not discriminate among people (Israelites or Gentiles) for He purifies their hearts by faith (verse 8-9). In verse 11 Peter said, "We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

Praise our Lord Jesus Christ, who has saved us by His grace. This is the true freedom that God provides for the mankind from the sin that binds. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). Just believe. Amen.

Reflection on Acts 15:1-12 by Desire Litaay

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