Series: Acts HOW ARE WE SAVED? Acts 15:1-29 If you were asked this question how would you answer: - What must I do to be saved? In the essentials unity. In the non-essentials liberty. In all things charity (love). - St. Augustine The essential question that must be answered—are we saved by grace alone or saved by grace plus works? Acts 15:1-5 Some say you cannot be saved unless you believe in Jesus and (fill in the blank). - For the early church it was “circumcision” and “keeping the law.” For us today it could be: - Baptism - Church membership - Legalism or adherence to any form of works-based behavior Holding to grace plus anything for salvation denies the sufficiency of Jesus’ work on the cross. Galatians 2:16 God provides three evidences of salvation being through grace alone. 1. The witness of the Holy Spirit being given to those who believe. Acts 15:6-9 - God makes no distinction in Jew and Gentile—everyone is saved the same way. (See v. 11) 2. The witness of the work of God among the nations. Acts 15:12 3. The witness of the Word of God that told of all humanity coming to the Lord. Acts 15:13-17 Two matters of great importance regarding the essential doctrine of salvation: Knowing and living the truth will keep your heart settled. Acts 15:24 1 John 5:13 - Knowing and living the truth will keep you from turning the grace of God into a license to sin. Acts 15:19-21 Acts 15:28-29 Our desire to live holy will be a witness to others. Next Steps Is your heart settled when you consider your salvation?