What does it mean “to be saved?” This question caused a crisis in the early church twenty years after the crucifixion and resurrection. The question also threatened the unity of the church.

There was no instruction manual to answer the question “What is salvation?” They had no Luther’s catechism. Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches (in modern day Turkey) had been written a few weeks earlier, but the people in Jerusalem had not read it. The Letter to the Romans was still in Paul’s mind and was not written until about AD 57, eight years from the onset of the crisis. John’s gospel was not yet available.

In AD 48 and 49 what was the church to do? Many were proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. They preached that all who believed in Him were saved.

On the other hand, some especially dedicated believers were convinced that everyone who joined the faith needed to keep the laws of Moses. Circumcision (removal of a layer of skin from the male penis) and adherence to Old Testament dietary regulations became key issues (Acts 15).

Those specific issues are generally not problems today, but the underlying question remains: Is a person saved as a gift by faith alone? Or are we saved by faith in Jesus plus something we do?

In time, the truth of the teaching of justification by faith became clear. But It was by no means clear at the outset. The apostles and elders came together at a Jerusalem Conference in AD 49 to look into the question. They made a momentous decision that determined the course of history. Together the early church determined that we are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus (Acts 15:11) plus nothing.

What is Justification by Faith?

Justification is an instantaneous act of God that takes place in heaven by which He declares a sinner righteous in His sight.

Let’s break it down.

Justification (Greek word dikaiosune) is a legal term used in a court of law.

It takes place instantaneously, in a moment, as opposed to sanctification, which is a process over time. Granted, the process leading up to the sentence of justification may take months or years, but the act of justification is immediate.

Justification is an act of God. God justifies, not man. He alone can do it. Yet is based in part on a man’s decisions.

Justification takes place where God is, in heaven. This is to say, it does not take place in the heart of a man. It is an act of God, not an act of a man. It takes place in heaven, far away from a man. It will impact a man, but it does not take place in any man.

God makes a fiat decision. He is the Judge who delivers the sentence, You are righteous! and bangs the gavel down. He alone has the power to declare someone righteous. God Himself makes the decree based on a man’s faith in Jesus.

He justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5). God’s decision is apart from the law (Romans 3:21), not based on a man’s morality or condition of sin or sinlessness.

It is based on faith and faith alone (John 5:24, John 3:16, Romans 3:28)

“Righteous” is a standing before God that is ultimately superior to innocence. God does not say, “You are innocent.” Nor does he declare, “You are not guilty.” Rather, He knows we are neither innocent nor not guilty. He knows we are in fact guilty. His declaration, “You are righteous” is based solely on His determination that the humbled sinner has accepted Jesus Christ’s payment in total for his sin.

“In His sight” is key to understanding justification. It indicates God’s own view of a person, not how the person nor anyone else views him. A justified person may still feel guilty or unworthy. He may still be accused and sentenced in a human court of law to crimes he has committed. But God views the humbled sinner through the lens of Jesus Christ. God sees him as perfect as His Jesus Christ Himself.

This is the miracle of justification!

Let’s pursue justification by faith a bit further

The crisis in the early church involved this question: Is faith in Christ enough? Or does something else need to be added?

Some sincere believers asserted circumcision was necessary to complete faith.

Today, some churches teach we must believe in Jesus Christ as our Substitute plus we must add our own contribution.

Here are some additions I’ve heard. All are good and well-intended. But are they scriptural?

Must keep the 10 Commandments

Must get baptized in water

Must speak in tongues

Must show a good life

Must make Jesus “Lord”

Must not drink, smoke, dance or (fill in the blank) ___________________.

How the Early Church Solved the Crisis

Apostles and elders met the early church crisis head on in AD 49 by calling together the Jerusalem Conference. At that conference of leaders, they debated the issues. The Council concluded that justification by faith alone plus nothing was sufficient for salvation; neither circumcision nor anything else was required for salvation. Graciously, they also encouraged new converts to stay away from practices abhorrent to the Jews. The president of the council summarized the conclusion. They wrote down the decision and published it by means of church representatives.

The decision of the Jerusalem Conference preserved the unity of the church and determined the course of history.