It is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as [the Gentiles] are” (Acts 15:11, emphasis added).

We’ve all felt left out before: the middle school clique spurns you, you don’t dress the same as the others at church, the coffee group is bewildered you send your kids to public school, and on and on. We long to say, just tell me the standards to join your club, to fit in, to be accepted. 

It’s natural for groups to want to be exclusive: here’s our bar; now jump.

The Jewish people were physically marked as an exclusive group: people of the true God. When Jews became Christians, they exchanged their “doing” (following the Mosaic law for righteousness) for Jesus’ “done.” When Gentiles became Christians, too, it is understandable some Jews would want these newcomers to meet their threshold of exclusivity: “Unless you are circumcised, you cannot be saved” (15:1), they inform new believers in Antioch.

This bar is far worse than wondering which designer accessory will gain me entrance into the IN crowd, for their requirements will always shift to stay exclusive. But Christianity was never meant to be exclusive: “whosoever will may come” (John 6:37). To require circumcision of Gentile believers means adding something to salvation. It is no longer “by grace are you saved” (Eph. 2:8). That attitude endangers gospel truth.

Circumcision requirements are no longer relevant to us, but the principle is the same. Substitute baptism for circumcision; some believe that is a requirement for salvation. No; everything necessary for salvation was done by Jesus. If I add something, it's no longer the gospel. I’ve paved a way to legalism and self-righteousness, a yoke “none can bear” (15:10).

While circumcision was critically important to Jewish believers, it should have been secondary to the gospel. Secondary, too, are modes of baptism, particulars of church membership, music styles, attire choices, fill-in-the-blank. Yes, these carry weight for Christians today, but they should never divide us, and we never should judge someone’s salvation based on what they do or don’t do. “God knows the heart” when “He accepts [us], making no distinction between us and them” (15:9). 

It’s tempting for seasoned Christians to set bars for newcomers to meet. But remember the Jerusalem Council’s words: “we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God” (15:19). Our differences in matters outside clearly-delineated doctrine are worth discussion (note the extensive debate in Jerusalem over circumcision). But they should never alienate us from any Christian in our midst. 

There are no second-class Christians. We dare not add to the gospel of grace. 

How have you navigated what should be secondary issues? Relying on your own feelings is dangerous here. A large group of elders discussed, at length, the question of circumcision; even the Antioch Christians knew to seek outside, elder guidance. Take your concerns to a group of Christians; search the Scriptures (vv.16-18); seek the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in community with other believers.