The Promises of Jesus - PART 43

We believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus the Christ we shall be saved. From Acts chapter 15 in the Bible, we discover that some believers in the primitive assembly thought it necessary for the believing non Jews to be circumcised. It was similarly dictated that they must adhere to the Law. Well, taking that position caused an extensive inquiry.

Remember, it was Peter that God had chosen to initially deliver the good news of the gospel to the non Jews. Peter said at that initial moment that it was God who knows the heart. It is God who becomes acquainted with a believer and understands people's  innermost thoughts. Certainly, it was God who by the outpouring and inputting of His own Spirit upon the non Jews, welcomed the non-Jewish into the flock. It was He who had previously breathed His Spirit upon us Jews. God, in so doing, declared that He was placing no difference between the non Jews and the Jews. There would be no distinctions. He did not discriminate.

Indeed, God purified and cleansed the non Jews heart’s by faith. So why call God's love and motives into question now? Why strain the patience of God? In fact, why are so many endeavouring to put a burden on the shoulders of non Jewish believers, a burden that neither we nor our forefathers did.

As we read further, we see that James added his position to the discussion. James relayed how it pleased God at the first to visit the non Jews. It became obvious that God was choosing a people dedicated to His name. To this the afore-predicted language, the prophets agree. As it is written in the scriptures, "There will be a time when I shall return [to earth where] I will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down and now is in ruins."  

In other words, God was saying, "I will raise my tabernacle afresh so that the residue of believing men and women from all nations who belong to me, may now earnestly seek after me." God from the beginning of time, and well into eternity, knows what He is doing. He has our lives planned out even before the foundations of the world were created. So how then, does religion's judgement and subsequent decisions that include imposing irksome restrictions on non Jews become valid. Remember, these were non-Jews who were turning by faith to the Lord Jesus.

So Peter and James confirmed that God's plan of salvation wasn't about dictates. Rather, there were four things that the non-Jews should do. First, to abstain from the pollution of idolatry. As well, abstain from fornication and sexual vices. And lastly, that they should keep themselves from eating the flesh of strangled animals. Indeed, from blood in any form, including processed or blood soaked meat. The reason? Life is in the blood. Life is in the shedding of blood.

Subsequently, the apostles and elders, in unison with all the believers decided to write on paper their decision. If you are reading along in the scriptures, you will find the references in Acts chapter 15, verses 23-28. Here comes the good news. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary requirements. That is, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in the Lord. For the non Jews, the letter was critical. When they received this good news, they rejoiced. They had been encouraged by its contents. You can almost hear them saying, "yes, I will remain steadfast in the Lord."

Fast forward to the 21st century. God is still adding believers to His church daily. He is creating a nation of believers and building a temple of living stones for His own habitation. This is a temple not made with hands. Nor is this temple constructed of brick or mortar, wood, hay, or stubble. In this temple, Christ is the corner stone. The apostles and the prophets are the foundation. There is no other building. The Word is the foundation.

For God has said, "What house are you going to build me when Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. As born again believers, we are the building chosen of God to be His habitation. His spiritual habitation.  The house in which He is so very pleased to dwell. We are the body of Christ. This building is the measure of the stature of the body of Christ. If you are looking for an analogy, how about God’s measuring tape?  

God redeemed the people, and ensured their rebirth and salvation through His blood. Our sins were washed away by baptism as we called upon the name of the Lord. Yes, we are baptised into His temple by the same Spirit that dwelt within the man Christ Jesus. And now we are that body -- the body of Christ -- in which He is so pleased to dwell.

May God who now rules and reigns within your believing heart bless you. Stand in the offering plate.