The debate over circumcision in the early church was in many ways about credentials. In today's church the debate over credentials occurs in different ways. Many people ignore it whilst others are puzzled. Some are confused. St Paul lists the many advantages that he had as a Jew but once he came to know Jesus he realized that what had been considered advantages may have got in the way of him becoming a truly good person. He goes so far as to say that all he had been in life meant nothing once he had come to know Jesus. It seems that it is never too late for us to embrace the teachings of Jesus. Even when we have spent a whole lifetime striving for goals which have been at odds with the teachings of Jesus. Such is the great generosity of God that we will be welcomed with open arms once we see the errors of our ways and turn to follow Jesus. It is because Jesus loves us so dearly that He has infinite patience with our shortcomings and gives us free choice to do what we will with our lives. We sometimes make wrong choices. However, we can remedy them. As Luke's gospel points out there will be great rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner.