My
religious convictions have changed quite a bit in the last decade, especially
in the last 6 years. After spending more than three decades in the non-instrumental
churches of Christ, my views on salvation, worship, baptism, and the church
have changed considerably. Some assume the changes in my teaching and practice
were the result of worldly motives, but the Lord knows I was not looking to
change my beliefs when it happened. The changes in my faith have enriched and
blessed my life in many ways, but they certainly have not made life easier.
Nevertheless, the changes in my thinking and practice were necessary once my
understanding of Scripture changed. I could not believe one thing and teach
another. That is hypocrisy.
What
could change your religious convictions? Is it possible for your understanding
of Scripture to change, or is your mind completely closed? Are you able to
learn as you read and study the Bible, or do you do so only to confirm what you
already believe? Having confidence in our beliefs is good. We should not
continually doubt, question, and worry over settled matters of the faith. But
we must still have the humility to recognize we could be (and likely are) wrong
about some things we believe. None of us know or understand Scripture perfectly;
we all have much to learn and plenty of room to grow. So what could change your
religious convictions?
What
changed my mind was the consistent and inescapable testimony of Scripture. The
more I read my Bible, the more reasons I found to question what I believed. I
did not desire or intend to abandon what I had thought for so long, but there are
three things I know with certainty that compelled me to continue studying and
adjusting my views. First, I know there is a God and that Jesus is His Son.
Second, I know the Bible is God’s word and trustworthy in all it teaches.
Third, I know we ought to believe and obey the Bible no matter what it costs.
The Jews in Berea listened to Paul’s teaching with
great eagerness (Acts 17:11). They did not accept his teaching uncritically,
but they listened carefully and searched the Scriptures daily to see whether
what he said was so. We ought to do the same. Every time we open the Bible we
can learn and grow. We can be confident in the teaching and authority of
Scripture. Men make mistakes, but the word of God will not lead us astray. Be
willing to let the Bible change your mind, and read it accordingly. –JME
