This week as we continue in our study through the book of Acts we consider the council in Jerusalem in Acts 15. Acts 15 is at the center of the book of Acts, not only in its position, but in its importance and implications for the church. In our story today we see that the gospel is questioned, clarified, confirmed, and multiplied. Some of the Jewish believers begin to teach that it is necessary to circumcise the Gentile Christians and order them to keep the law of Moses. Peter replies, "God has cleansed their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9). He later proclaims, "But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will" (Acts 15:11). The gospel is that forgiveness and cleansing is offered in Christ and received by faith. Salvation is by grace alone. As a church we want to keep the gospel central in our life, practices, decisions, and community. We want to make decisions in and from careful consideration of the Word of God. We believe that the Mosaic law has been fulfilled by Christ and we get to walk in the freedom of forgiveness, motivated by the law of Christ.
