T he law Paul was referring to is recorded in Genesis 17:10-11. God commanded every Hebrew male to be circumcised as a sign of His special covenant with them. However, during Paul’s time, the Jews had twisted this sacrament of circumcision into a confirmation of their salvation and the qualification for heaven. Paul stressed that being a Jew (being circumcised) did not qualify them as a member of God’s kingdom if they did not obey God’s laws in their heart. The Jews in Paul’s day argued against Paul’s gospel by claiming they ‘possessed’ the law. Paul asserted that possessing the law meant nothing and circumcision had zero value if they did not have a changed heart. The Jews had the misconception they could continue to do all the wicked things but would not be judged by God because they were circumcised. Some people today may believe they are saved because they perform perfunctory Christian duties such as attending church or undergoing baptism. However, the mere act of being baptised without sincere repentance of sins will not lead to salvation. If one chooses not to accept God’s grace and walk in the Lord’s way, no sacred rite or religious ceremony or any other sacrament will render effective the grace of eternal salvation. God has chosen us to be saved by grace through our faith in the Lord. He has called us to be consecrated and keep His law. God requires the obedience of our hearts, not merely our outward trappings.
LESSON
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of
the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
THOUGHT
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