Keeping it simple

“It is my judgement, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” Acts 15:19
In Acts 15 the early church had a dilemma. Up until that point, the believers were primarily Jews, or Gentiles who had proselytised into Judaism. Now all of a sudden, it appears that Gentiles are coming to salvation without going through Judaism first! What a scandal!
Peter was involved in some of those early events, with his visit to Cornelius and his vision of the sheet being lowered down from heaven. While some of the other, well-meaning, believers were adamant that the Gentiles had to proselytise through Judaism and undergo the rite of circumcision in order to be saved, he declared, “No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are” (Acts 15:11). Note the order here: he has no doubt the Gentiles being spoken of are saved.
So here we have it: Gentiles were indeed coming to salvation, apart from Judaism. The fact they are leaving their idols and false religions behind and coming to faith in the true and living God should be encouraged, rather than having extra burdens of circumcision and dietary restrictions forced on them.
It is the same today. People may present the gospel to someone, but then add, “Oh, but you can’t become a Christian until you cut your hair/give up smoking/stop listening to that music.” No – the gospel is about inward, not outward change. If there’s no inward change, then any outward change means nothing. But if there is an inward change, it will become reflected in a person's outward behaviour. Let’s not make the gospel difficult for someone who is trying to find salvation.