Grace Alone (Acts 15:1-41)

Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)Preacher: Ps. James TangDate: 2nd November, 2025Passage: Acts 15:1-41Sermon Summary:“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)Verses 2:8-9 from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians speaks wonderfully to Acts 15. As the early Church engaged in a fervent discussion about the role of circumcision in salvation, Paul reminds us that our salvation comes only through grace, by faith. Not by our own doing or as a result of works, but through the death of Christ Jesus alone.As Peter addresses the believers who are anxious about the purity of the faith (v.5), he speaks with truth and candour when he reminds them of the weight of the Law. Neither they nor their fathers were able to keep and obey the Law in its entirety, and the reason that Jesus died was to fulfill the Law, to make His people clean and set them free. Why, then, would the Church require its new believers, whether Gentile or Jew, to do what they could not? Why would they invite God’s judgment on themselves for such a thing? (v.7-11)As they argue for the full inclusion of Gentiles into the church with a completely new way of living, Peter appeals to his experience of direct guidance and intervention from God. Barnabas and Paul appeal to their experience of God’s confirmation of their work through signs and wonders. But James appeals directly to Scripture, believing that the words of the prophets agree with what has happened. (v.15-17)While Acts 15 can act as a beautiful guiding example for church politics and debate, our focus is on the heart of their discussion. Can we remember to live as children of God, who are saved by grace through faith? Can we also accept the Holy Spirit’s call for us to be higher, as He works and enables us to live transformed lives for Him?