Let’s continue the discussion sparked by the Chart of Responses (Lesson “The Giver, the Gift and the Giving”, Topic “Accepting The Invitation”). Since God requires these responses, not one is a “work” of merit, an effort to earn His favor. No response contradicts another. At times, Scripture goes into specifics. At other times, it uses general terms that encompass other details.
To illustrate, think about the many conversion accounts in Acts (Acts 2:38-41; 2:47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 8:12-13, 35-39; 9:18, 42; 11:21; 14:1; 19:18, and more). The first example, when the church first forms, supplies several details (Acts 2). But the next examples use broader terms:
- Those “who had heard the word believed” (Acts 4:4).
- They “became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).
Such summary statements are not opposed. Nor does one eliminate the other. True believers are obedient: “When they believed… they were baptized” (Acts 8:12 cf. Romans 1:5; 16:26). When the Romans came “into Christ” (Romans 6:3), they were following a consistent “standard” or “pattern.” (The Greek term tupos pictures a repeated impression made by a stamp or mold.)
But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed (Romans 6:17).
God’s pattern for conversion is consistent, and every response God requires is necessary. Where descriptions vary, they may reflect the responder’s spiritual journey. Did you notice that Acts 2’s call for response never mentions “believe” or “have faith”? Was the Holy Spirit, speaking through Peter, omitting faith? Obviously not! By Acts 2:37, as a result of hearing the Gospel, Peter’s responsive listeners were believing! Therefore, Peter could go into the initial responses still required:
Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).