Re:Verse reading–Acts 15:1-29 (day two)
But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.” vs. 5
Every morning when I get Jessica in the car she begins to ask Elsa? Elsa? Which translated means: “Daddy, I would be most grateful if you would please play the soundtrack to the animated movie Frozen.” The hit song from that movie, is titled “Let it Go.” If you have walked by anyone under 25 in the past 4 years, you know this. As I read this verse this morning that title kept running through my head.
These new believers had a lot of religious baggage that they brought with them. They were well-educated, and knew the customs of the people. Peter had already had to deal with this for himself, but it would be the theme in the early years of the church. We cannot expect to have a conversion experience and bring every thought, action, and custom from our old lives. It just won’t work. What are those things you are still holding on to? Let it go.
I believe true conversion is a God’s calling. Until God fully grants the Holy Spirit in full force, new believers will fall back to their customs and traditions. It will take time for true conversion to begin. I believe some, but not all, new believers are more than willing to pay the price for conversion to become a Christian, to grow and to develop real Christian character, attitudes and behaviors so that they may later inherit the eternal reward. I think until God opens their minds and grants the Holy Spirit to work full-time in these new believers, their old customs and old religious traditions will continue to influence them to some degrees. Everything begins with God! God can remove the old religious baggage if He wants to! But does He want to with all of His power and authority on earth?
I don’t think new believers, including myself, can understand God’s truth unless God has drawn them/me and called them/me to it through His Spirit. So, the process of letting go the old religious baggage or old religious customs and traditions to true Christianity conversion should begin with God’s calling.
Habit is not easy to let go on its own. Habit stays with people unless God changes it. Old religious customs and traditions will automatically return. They are part of one’s cultural heritage and of social acceptance. It takes faith and repentance for real conversion to Christianity to occur.
I believe God is just and fair. He does not force anyone to follow Him but allows for a gradual religious shift from the old one to true Christianity conversion. He will draw them closer to Him and will call on them to real conversion at His own timing.
I wonder how many new believers have benefited from true conversion to Christianity? What were their experiences in the conversion process? God demands true conversion. I am convinced!