Grace and Law Together?

Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved!" But after Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in some serious argument and debate, the church arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem concerning this controversy. Acts 15:1,2

Not being able to call the elders must have been awkward. Here are men saying they represent the church, having come from Jerusalem. Yet they are teaching law to new converts. New converts are soft and pliable and eager to please their Lord. It was good that Paul and Barnabas were there to intervene.

Circumcision was at the heart of what Jewish men represented. Circumcision was their way of showing they belonged to the Lord. The very thought that Gentile believers remained uncircumcised would horrify them, why, it was so right!

When something so important to you in one life, before Christ, is confronted in your new life, in Christ, you are torn apart. Wh the best way to deal with the problem is to have it in both worlds. Yet, it can't be, not really.

Each of us may face a similar problem, especially if we have be zealous for our God in a religious way. For example, Catholics love roasary beads and holy cards. I struggled with this for a time as a new born again believer. My mind knew they were not scriptural but my heart loved them. I am sure the worshippers of Mary struggle when they discover that born again believers do not worship Mary.

Jesu had the antidote, seek the Lord and His kingdom and all will sort out under His watch. Amen!

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