A Word from Acts 15

What do you think we need, in addition to Jesus, to be saved? 

Naturally, most of you who get this devotional know that the right answer to that question is, "Nothing! Jesus and Jesus alone is what we need to be saved." And yet, it's tempting to think and act as if what we really need is "Jesus and" something else, isn't it?

After all, to listen to us talk sometimes, it seems like we need Jesus and the right theology. We need Jesus and the right lifestyle. We need Jesus and the right politics. And so much more. 

And we, of course, aren't the only ones to reach out for "Jesus and." In today's word from Acts Chapter 15, some of the early Christians, who--let's remember--were from a Jewish background, felt like salvation required "Jesus and" adherence to the right customs, like being circumcised and obeying the Law of Moses.

But Peter spoke up and reminded everyone that God had poured out His Spirit on a host of people who didn't possess the "and's" that religious folks are so often worried about. "No," he said, "we believe it's through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we're saved, just as they are." (15:11)

So, I wonder today: What are the "and's" that we sometimes use to exclude others? And what are "and's" that we sometimes use to exclude ourselves?

Today (and every day), may we trust in Jesus...and nothing else. Amen.