0132. The Conference in Jerusalem

The Conference in Jerusalem

"Simeon (Simon Peter) hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His Name.

"And to this agree the words of the Prophets, * * After this I will return" (Act_15:14-16).

We have before us an epochal gathering in Jerusalem. The theme before the Church was the attitude of the Jewish brethren toward the Gentile brethren who were being saved, but who were not keeping any of the Judaistic ceremonials.

Paul and Barnabas were present. They related how God had wrought among the Gentiles, and how many of them were being saved. This brought great joy to the brethren in Jerusalem. They thoroughly discussed the purpose of the gathering. Peter gave an address outlining the work of the Spirit in this age, and then James arose and gave the words of our key verse.

This statement by James was an endorsement of Peter’s words, and it fully outlines the purpose of God in this age.

1. God would visit the Gentiles, and take out of them a people for His Name.

2. Christ would return and build the Tabernacle of David, which had fallen down.

3. The residue of men would seek the Lord and all the Gentiles, upon whom His Name was called.

We wish to merely emphasize the first statement, disclosing the mission of the Church. Step by step we have seen how God thrust out His saints as missionaries, and how God pressed the story of His Gospel in all the world, but what was the objective? Did God expect to see the whole world saved through the preaching of His saints? Not at all. The work of the missionary is to save out of the nations a people for His Name. It is not until Christ returns that the residue of men will seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles.

Let all of us remember that the Church is a "called out people." If we have as our aim "Taking the world for Christ" we have every reason to become discouraged, and to give up hope. If we have for our aim, taking Christ to the world, and baptizing those who believe, we have every reason to press on. The Gospel is still the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.

Let us keep before us, clearly, that the Church is commissioned to preach the Gospel to every creature, but that every creature will not accept the Gospel.

Let us remember that this age is to end in an apostasy from the faith, and in an increase of evil men and imposters.

Let us remember that when the Church has completed its testimony; "after this I will return." Christ says to the Church "Occupy till I come". He says: "Ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come".

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR