David Bahn – Reflections

Acts 10:35-43(44-48)

So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

A bill (the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA) was passed recently by the US Senate that aims to prevent discrimination against gay and transgender employees. Critics of the bill, however, contend that  ENDA would “lead to a form of reverse discrimination.” Non-discrimination is the number one cultural moral norm in today’s world. More people would know Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” than they would know John 3:16. Non-descrimination is a slam dunk in today’s world – with the possible exception of discrimination against those who wish to hold traditional Christian values regarding things like human sexuality or life in the womb.

But there is one Christian value for which we ought to be known: the desire for people to embrace the grace of God in Jesus Christ. It might not seem as though this is a difficult or uniquely Christian value, for the whole culture seems bent on applying grace to all people – no matter what their story, status, or social standing might be. But in fact, grace is a decidedly Christian concept; it centers in Christ, and is experienced only by faith in Christ.

A faulty view of grace makes grace either something that I must earn, or an abandonment of all moral absolutes. It seems the latter abuse is the current cultural approach. But true grace centers in Christ and is free to the one receiving it, and infinitely costly to the One who gives it. Someone always has to pay for grace. And in the case of Christian grace, that Someone was God himself. It cost him his Son’s life to pour out his grace without abandoning moral truth or requiring moral payback on our part. He did that for all people. True grace is always tied to Jesus’ death for our sins and resurrection from the grave. It is received by the power of the Holy Spirit, and brings glory to God who gives his Son, his Spirit, and his Salvation to all who believe.

Perhaps the word, “indiscriminate” is not the best word to use when speaking of God’s grace. It might make one think that there is no sense of appreciation for God’s grace, or that one would be foolish in his or her showing or sharing of grace. But the truth is, as Peter says, “God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Perhaps it’s the “fears him and does what is right” that marks the grace of God as unique. But the simple word, “anyone” is a great invitation of grace.

We don’t earn grace. Nor do we abandon moral norms in order to apply it. But God gives the riches of his kingdom to those who look to Christ, fear him, and do what is right. And when we lose sight of Christ, or wander from the path of doing right, God’s grace receives us back as we turn in repentance back to him.

In Peter’s day the issue had to do with God’s covenant extending to non-Jewish people: the Gentiles. And to make the point clear, that the Gentiles were also chosen by God to receive his grace, the Holy Spirit is visibly poured out on the Gentile believers while Peter is preaching on this occasion. I’m not certain what group or class of people I might need to recognize as recipients of God’s grace (could it be Republicans or Democrats?!?). But I do know that I am thankful that God’s grace extends to me for Jesus’ sake. How about you?

Then comes the exclamation point of God’s approval…

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.