Mar 19
4
What Is A Sovereign Grace Bible Conference?
Acts 15:1-35
The first sovereign grace Bible conference was held at Jerusalem during
the apostolic era. The reason for that conference and the things that
transpired at it are recorded in Acts 15. A matter of gospel doctrine
needed to be clearly settled and publicly declared in unison by the
servants of God.
There were some among the Pharisees who professed to believe the gospel
of the grace of God in Christ. But these men sought to mix law and
grace. They wanted to compel believers to be circumcised and “to keep
the law of Moses.” They were saying, “A man cannot be saved unless he is
circumcised and he cannot live right as a christian if he does not live
by the rule of the ten commandments” (vv. 1, 5).
Needless to say, this caused quite a stir. Paul and Barnabas would not
stand by quietly while these Pharisees attempted to put the yoke of
bondage upon God’s children, who had been freed from the law. Therefore,
the churches got funds together to send Paul, Barnabas and other
preachers to Jerusalem, to take counsel with the apostles and elders
concerning this matter (vv. 2-6). After much disputing with the
Pharisees, Peter preached. Then Paul preached. Then James preached. And
when they got done, they wrote a letter to all the churches (vv. 7-29).
They spoke with one voice, declaring to all the world that salvation is
by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
When the conference was over Paul, Barnabas and the other preachers went
home, gathered the brethren, and read the Epistle. When God’s saints
read that letter, they rejoiced in the consolation of the gospel ( vv.
30-31). Then other brethren confirmed the message (v. 32). Not only did
these brethren continue preaching the Word of grace, but many others
were inspired to do so too (v. 35).
This is a sovereign grace Bible conference.We have come together to
clearly, publicly declare in unison to all the world the singular
message of Holy Scripture: That salvation is the work of God’s free and
sovereign grace through our all glorious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
and to encourage all who will to join us in proclaiming this message.
May it please our great God to bless this conference to that end for
Christ’s sake.
Don Fortner