Ac15

Can you imagine a church in which the absence of "foreskin" was the measure of favor with God?  We live in a different day, but we have similar ridiculous issues.  What external measurements do we place on others when it comes to "judging" whether or not they are "true believers"?

Likely, the two most debated arguments in the first century church were: 1. Can Gentiles be saved?, and 2. Is circumcision required for salvation?  To us this seems absurd, but remember it was the apostles themselves who were having these arguments.  It was strongly debated and contested.  Jesus even had to give multiple miraculous visions to Peter to get him to have an open heart to the Gentiles!  And even then he wanted his experience to be limited to his encounter with Cornelius' household.

We would be foolish to think that we don't have similar ridiculous judgements and barriers?  What might they be?  My dad says that when we get to heaven we will be surprised by two things.  1. All the people who ARE there that we didn't think would be.  2. All the people who are NOT there we thought would be.  Hmm.  Maybe he's right.

Peter boiled it down to this.  Both Jews and Gentiles are saved by "the grace of the Lord Jesus".  Without His grace no one would be saved.  I am grateful for His grace today.