We are saved by grace through faith.

"And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us." (Acts 15: 8).

Thursday of the 5th week of Easter. The first Reading of today (Acts 15: 7 - 21)is what is often referred to as the first Church Council of Jerusalem. The rights, privileges and obligations of the Gentile Christians were defined and codified "but tell them by letter."

What won the argument between the party of the Pharisees and the non Judaisers was this critical insight:
"And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us." (Acts 15: 8). That is to say: God saves all people by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2: 8).

Brothers and sisters, rejoice in this truth. Let nothing keep you from enjoying fully the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, eternal life and all the fruits of Salvation.

"We believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.” (Acts 15: 11). This silenced the whole assembly. They understood that the Holy Spirit has spoken.

"O God, by whose grace,
though sinners, we are made just
and, though pitiable, made blessed,
stand, we pray, by your works,
stand by your gifts, that those justified by faith may not lack the courage of perseverance.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever." (Collect, Thursday of the 5th week of Easter).

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