No Distinctions in Faith (Acts 15:8-9)

Today’s scripture: Acts 15:8-9

I’ve written this before, but I’m so grateful that the Lord had a plan to save all people. All people. 

God “made no distinction between us and them …”

The “us” here is the people of Israel. The “them” is the rest of us. Even though God chose the Israelites as His special people, He desires that none "should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). When Jesus shed His blood on the cross, He covered the sin of all people, “purifying their hearts by faith.”

When anyone—Jew or Gentile—accepts the gift of grace by believing in and accepting the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then she is saved. She is redeemed.

She is purified.

No matter your background, not matter your heritage, you can be saved by faith. You can be pure in the Father’s eyes. Have you accepted that gift of grace?

The Mystery (Ephesians 3:1-7)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 3:1-7

Anyone can receive the “gift of God’s grace.” Anyone. God doesn’t look at gender, race, cultural background or socio-economic status. He doesn’t care if you’re nine or ninety. He doesn’t restrict you because you’ve done shameful things.

All He wants is a repentant heart, a surrendered life.

Anyone who believes in God and accepts salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—God the Son—will be saved (Acts 2:21). Jesus is the Giver of eternal life (John 3:16; 10:8-10).

You don’t have to work for it. You don’t have to hope your good outweighs your bad. You don’t have to wonder if what you did in a past life has brought you one step closer to heaven.

You just have to believe and receive.

I don’t know about you, but I’m so very grateful that God loves each and every one of us. I’m grateful that He had a plan for my salvation—a Gentile, middle-class American woman. He has the same plan for each one of us. What a good God He is!

All One in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28-29)

Today’s scripture: Galatians 3:28-29

We are “all one in Christ Jesus.”

Read the first verse again. There is no distinction between individuals in God the Father’s eyes. As long as we’re followers of God the Son, Jesus Christ, we are one.

We can—and must—look beyond race, gender, socio-economic background, and see the hearts of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our faith should transcend everything else that makes us difference.

Think about it. How often have you met a stranger and then, when you found she was a fellow believer, you instantly connected? Wherever we go, we can instantly find kindred spirits in a Bible-believing church.

I just love that!

And then in the next verse, we’re reminded that we’re heirs to God’s promise. And what is that promise? Redeemed hearts and eternity with Him.

We aren’t outcasts. We aren’t distant relatives. We aren’t afterthoughts. We are heirs of God. We are His dearly-loved children.

Take a moment and thank God for His promises. And for His Fatherly love.