Calendar

THE FIRST CHURCH COUNCIL
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Acts 15:6-12

Matthew 16:18-19

 

“…I will build my church;
and the gates of hell

shall not prevail against it.”

 

THE FIRST CHURCH COUNCIL
 
Heresies are allowed by God throughout history in order to hammer out the truth and put on record the faithful interpretation of God’s Word. Here in Acts 15 is a record of the first church council called to settle the question of whether salvation is by grace alone or needs man’s contribution such as circumcision. Orthodoxy is established and will stand throughout as the dogmas of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Consider a matter: The apostles and elders assembled together to consider the concern that was raised. Read Proverbs 11:14 and 24:6. Councils are important in maintaining the orthodoxy of doctrines in the church.
 
Concur a decision: Although there was the presence of wise men, only the Spirit of God can lead men into truth. Peter stood up and testified how God (who knows man’s hearts) bore witness when the Gentile believers also received the Holy Spirit just as Jewish believers did. He was referring to the salvation of Cornelius. Paul and Barnabas likewise testified of the power of God which was manifested among the Gentiles during their missionary journeys. The concurrence of the testimonies gave credence to the truth that the Jews were saved by grace alone and so also were the Gentiles.
 
Again the Westminster Confession of Faith states this truth: “For the better government, and further edification of the church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called synods or councils: and it belongeth to the overseers and other rulers of the particular churches, by virtue of their office, and the power which Christ hath given them for edification and not for destruction, to appoint such assemblies; and to convene together in them, as often as they shall judge it expedient for the good of the church.”
 
Ecclesiastical councils are important for checking the spiritual temperature of the church. When heretical teachings creep into churches, the church councils manned by godly and mature leaders help to curb the eventual capitulating of believers to unbelief and apostasy.
 
THOUGHT: Am I functioning as part of the Church of Jesus?

PRAYER: Father, show me the ways where I can best serve Thee.

Search