I n verse 25, Paul condemned the Jewish people, who continued in their sins, declaring that their circumcision counted for nothing in God’s eyes. In today’s verse, Paul went a step further to shock the Jews, stating that those who were uncircumcised (meaning Gentiles) but who kept the law, would be approved and accepted by God. The sign of physical circumcision had been replaced by a faithful and consistent obedience to God’s law. The Jews prided themselves on being God’s chosen, but Paul called them hypocrites for knowing God’s law, yet wilfully living in sin and wickedness. He stated that an uncircumcised Gentile who obeyed God was more favoured in His eyes than a circumcised Jew who broke the law. Paul is warning Christians today that we should not rely purely on sacramental participation, such as undergoing baptism and partaking the Lord’s Supper, to be our claim on eternal salvation if we persist in sinful living. There is value and significance in observing these sacraments, but we need to ensure we are doing it with God-pleasing motives. We must not just read the Bible but must apply its principles. We need to meditate on God’s Word daily, internalize and practise what God teaches, in our daily living. Let us always consider our ways [Haggai 1:7], examine our conduct, and strive to be sanctified. Paul will show in the next chapter that none of us can keep the law. We are saved not by our deeds but by repenting and trusting the Lord Jesus Christ. We please God when our lives conform to His will for us.
LESSON
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
O Lord my God, I pray I will not be blinded by pride. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquities and cleanse me of my sins. Amen.
PRAYER
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