Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 May 1916 — THE GENERAL COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE GENERAL COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM

Acts 15:22-33—Hay ts. The First Ecumenical Council—“ The Spirit of a Sound Mind” In Settling Doctrinal Differences—The Yoke of the Law Covenant Vs. Christian Liberty—Lessons For Our Day. •‘For freedom did Christ set us free.” —Oala- . tians S:L .A.’---.-f INALLY St. Paul and Barnabas returned from their missionary tour, and reported to the congregation at Antioch. Together the Church and their missionaries rejoiced in their mutual service for the Gentiles. The cause was quite prosperous everywhere. Then came a" season of contention and doctrinal differences. Certain brethren came from Jerusalem and, perceiving that the Gentile Christians ignored circumcision, raised a meat commotion on that score, claiming that while Circumcision would not save without Christ, neither would Christ’s salvation be operative without circumcision. The minds of many of the Church were disturbed, and for a time a split seemed probable. But better counsels prevailed; and SL Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem as a committee to confer with the Apostles there. In the account the kindly deference of the Apostles, one to another, is quite marked. It is also noticeable that they based their conclusions upon what they found written in the Old Testament Scriptures and upon the leadings of Divine providence. Gradually for several years the Truth had become more plain to them—that God’s special favor

to the Jews had given "place to a general favor toward people of every nation, so that a Ilmen everywhere Who believed in God. accepted LI is promises an d consecrated their lives in harmony therewith, might henceforth have equal privileges with those of Jew ish birth. They

knew' of God’s covenant relationship with Israel; and it took time to convince them that the Divine Program had taken another step forward. Similarly, in this end of the Age, l there are many who, realize that only a "little flock” has been called and has responded, under the present High Calling. It is difficult for these to grasp the thought that a change of dispensation is now at hand, and that God purposes to cpinpiete the work of this Age for the Elect and to inaugurate a new work for the new Age for the benefit of "all the families of the earth”—the non-elect The Conclusion of the Matter. The cpnelusii ms of the conference are given us in a few words; namely, that God had recognized believers of Gentile birth by Ills Holy Spirit in just tire same way that He had recognized believers of Jewish birth; and that these Gentiles had received this Divine favor without having come under the bondage of the Law Covenant. The A; i<x ties realized that the Law Coveuaut Xvas indeed a yoke so heavy that neither they nor their forefathers had been able to bear it. Christ had relieved them of that yoke. Why. then, should they put it upon brethren upon w hom the Lord had never put it ? In Verses 22-29 we have the decision of the Apostles upon the question. They iiot only wrote it out. but sent it to Antioch by two trusted brethren. Judas Barsabas and Silas, with St. Paul and Barnabas, that the Church might have it in both written and oral testimony. The declaration was that the disquieting teachings had not been authorized by the Apostles at Jerusalem. Then they briefly summed up, not as law. but as necessary things, the following: Abstain from sacrifices offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled and from harlotry. It was not intimated that these things would make Christians of unbelievers; for nothing but faith in Christ and full consecration to wftlk in His steps could constitute them Christians. As a matter of fact, the Apostle Paul has pointed out most forcefully that “Love is the fulfilling of the Law.” (Romans 13:10.) Love for God would control the life as respects holiness; and

love for our neighbor would control as respects earthly justice. The things recommended by the Council at Jerusalem were necessary for the preservation of the fellowship of the Body of Christ, composed of Jews and Gentiles, with different edu cas.

The wise course followed by the Council at Jerusalem brought good results. Harmony prevailed—unity of spirit, fellowship amongst the members. The secret of this harmony lay bi the fact that the Lord was recognized as having supervision of the affairs of the Church, and as guiding her course through His appointed channels, the Apostles’ Similarly today, where honesty of heart prevails amongst the Lord s people. schisms, divisions, -should be unknown. The Lord’s guidance and instruction should be sought—His Word through the Apostles.

Decision Forwarded. tion and sentiments.

The Missonaries Report.