A Doctrine Worth Dying For

Written By Garden Internal Links

Acts 15:1–12

INTRODUCTION

William Tyndale

  • Translating the Greek New Testament into English so ordinary people could read God's Word for themselves.

  • English Bibles smuggled into England inside bales of cloth and shipments of flour.

  • Betrayed by Henry Phillips.

  • Imprisoned at Vilvoorde Castle.

  • Continued translating even while imprisoned.

  • Executed October 6, 1536.

His final prayer:

"Lord, open the King of England's eyes."

Three years later, King Henry VIII authorized an English Bible to be placed in every parish church—built largely on Tyndale's own translation.

Why was Tyndale willing to die?

He was utterly convinced that the MOST CENTRAL, MOST FOUNDATIONAL doctrine of the Christian faith is JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE.

He believed it is SO CLEAR in Scripture that ordinary people, if given the Bible in their own language, would discover it.

Think about this for a second:

The Catholic Church was also so equally convinced that a raw, unfiltered reading of Scripture would lead people to justification by faith alone that they killed these men we now call Reformers because they feared ordinary people finding out what Scripture has to say.

My fear

So few of us who claim to follow Jesus even know—or can articulate—the Gospel.

THE CONTROVERSY

Acts 15:1–5

Some men came down from Judea teaching:

"Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."

Paul and Barnabas had:

  • No small dissension.

  • No small debate.

The issue wasn't circumcision.

The issue was:

How is someone saved?

(South Galatians View)

THE CONFLICT

Galatians 2:11–14

Peter had been eating with the Gentiles.

Then certain men came from James.

Peter drew back.

The rest of the Jews followed.

Even Barnabas was led astray.

Paul confronted Peter publicly because:

"Their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel."

THE RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF JUSTIFICATION

Galatians 2:15–16

"...a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ..."

Definitions

Justification

  • Counted legally righteous before God.

Imputed Righteousness

  • Gifted an alien righteousness not your own.

Grace

  • Favor and forgiveness that you don't deserve.

Faith

  • Belief—not mere intellectual assent, but placing your trust in Christ.

THE SEVERITY

Galatians 1:8–9

"Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed."

This is not a secondary issue.

This is a doctrine worth dying for.

THE FALSE GOSPEL

"YOU NEED TO ADD (X) FOR SALVATION"

Tradition says:

Jesus + Tradition = Salvation

The Bible says:

Jesus + Anything ≠ Salvation

The issue isn't merely circumcision.

The issue is adding anything to Christ.

We add to salvation in many ways:

  • Jesus + Church Tradition

  • Jesus + Good Works

  • Jesus + Speaking in Tongues

  • Jesus + Superstition

  • Jesus + Social Justice

  • Jesus + Political Party

  • Jesus + "My good deeds outweigh my bad deeds."

  • Jesus + "After all we can do."

  • Church preferences

Example

Many young men on TikTok are looking into Eastern Orthodoxy.

The concern is when Church Councils are given equal authority to Scripture.

Nicaea II:

"To those who do not kiss the holy and venerable images anathema!"

R.C. Sproul

"The grounds of your justification are the perfect works of Jesus Christ. We're saved by works, but they're not our own."

Main Truth

IF IT'S NOT IN THE WORD, IT DOESN'T CARRY SALVIFIC WEIGHT.

It's not just a preference.

It is tempting God to anger when we embrace religiosity.

PETER'S RESPONSE

Acts 15:6–11

Peter reminds them:

  • God made a choice.

  • God gave the Holy Spirit.

  • God knows the heart.

  • God made no distinction.

  • God cleansed their hearts by faith.

Then Peter asks:

"Why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?"

And concludes:

"We believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will."

"IT'S NOT A BIG DEAL TO ADD TO THE GOSPEL"

Πειράζω

To tempt God to anger or challenge God's patience through distrust, wickedness, or disbelief.

(Ape FLEX illustration)

THE INVITATION OF JESUS

Matthew 11:28–30

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden..."

Jesus' work is always life-giving, even if it's hard.

Everything else is going to be complicated.

Main Truth

DON'T ENSLAVE THOSE JESUS CAME TO SET FREE.

Even yourself.

APPLICATION

Shift the weight onto Jesus.

What burdens have you been carrying that you cannot carry?

Jesus can carry them.

Confess your sins to one another.

James 5:16

"...confess your sins to one another and pray for one another..."

Try Rhythms of Freedom

  • Gospel verses put to Scripture memory

  • Prayer

  • Silence

  • Confession

  • Giving

  • Community

Memory Verses

  • Acts 15:11

  • Galatians 2:16

  • Romans 8:1

"YOU NEED TO CLEAN YOURSELF UP TO GET TO GOD"

Acts 15:17–18

"...all the Gentiles who are called by my name..."

Personal Story

Middle school.

I was ready for a fresh start in high school.

Instead, I inherited my older brother's reputation.

"Tjaden" meant:

  • Access

  • Advantages

  • Favor

Favor I didn't earn.

Favor I didn't deserve.

I inherited a good name.

That's what you can have in Jesus today.

Not:

A second chance.

But:

  • A new identity.

  • A new position.

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The Anti-Christ Spirit