As Paul and Barnabas began seeing both Jew and Gentile lives changed by the gospel, their work in planting churches and discipling believers faced a new problem: a false gospel of works. Today’s Bible passage poses two big questions: Firstly, how exactly are people saved from their sins? Secondly, aren’t works an important part of our lives as believers?

The answer to the salvation question lies in Peter’s address to the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem. Peter boldly proclaimed that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. He reminded the church that God has made no distinction between how Jews are saved or how Gentiles are saved. All are saved by having their hearts cleansed by faith. (See Acts 15:9.)

Some Jewish believers followed the Pharisees and insisted that the Gentile believers should be circumcised. They thought that all believers had to follow the law of Moses, or else they could not truly be forgiven of sin. This incorrect view of Christ's atonement was a stumbling block to the new Gentile believers.

Though our good works and obedience to God’s commands are evidence of His power inside us, they have never been the basis of our salvation. His gift of grace cannot be earned by circumcision nor by keeping the law, like these believers declared to the church.

Peter and James brought up a great point: We should not make it harder for people to turn to God. Instead of adding prerequisites to a person’s faith, we should pave the way of their understanding by sharing God’s commands for our lives. Our obedience is not what saves us; rather, it helps us keep our eyes on the Savior who has made salvation possible.

As you review this Bible story with your kids, try to demystify the truth of the gospel: God made a way for us to be saved through faith in Jesus. We cannot earn this salvation. Rather, our good works are evidence of our faith as the Holy Spirit empowers us to obey Christ’s commands.