THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL : CLASH OF THE SYSTEMS

As the series “Between Two Mountains” continued in the New Testament’s book of Acts, Pastor Harry provided us with a handout titled “The Truth of the Gospel,” providing Acts 15:1-35. Harry’s reverse side contained a graph comparing The Law (Righteousness by Worth) vs. Grace for ALL (Righteousness by Faith). Harry challenged the Jesus plus something model that many people cling to, “You can’t be saved UNLESS you do these prescribed things! (i.e., are circumcised)” Needing to add anything to Christ takes it out of God’s hands and puts the burden of salvation back on us. Therein lies the rub: if we were required to earn our way into heaven, none of us would make it because we’re ALL unworthy.

This is an important reminder for me. I cannot earn my way into heaven. No amount of good deeds, no large pot of tithes, no constant praying, no suffering or sacrifices will do it—only faith in Jesus Christ. The same path applies to all of us, regardless of whether we’re born into riches or poverty. There is no “them,” no division based on world views. There is only “us.” Everyone to whom Christ extends His Grace. Everyone who struggles with sin has the same opportunity: Acts 15:11, “But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

We need to strive for fewer “us” versus “them” situations, examining why we’re fixated on distancing ourselves from others, because we see them as different and lesser. I think this requires us to admit to ourselves that we are not superior. We sin, just like “them” do. Galatians 5:6, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” Love is for all of “us.” Galatians 5:14, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”