T his verse examines the positives of the question – who is a true Jew? He is one who inwardly believes in his heart. We noted that a Jew (outwardly by birth) is endowed with the external privileges of circumcision and the law of God. However, following the letter of the law and even circumcision cannot save him. With unbelieving hearts, the Jews meticulously observed the act of circumcision and performed their spiritual rites looking for man’s praise and expecting God’s approval. “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men” [Isaiah 29:13]. Who then is a Jew inwardly? He may be a circumcised Jew or an uncircumcised Gentile who is circumcised in his heart which is the working within us of the Holy Spirit. We thank God even though we are not Jews by lineage, we are in a sense “spiritual” Jews by reason of the circumcision of our hearts in submission to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Romans 10:12- 13 tells us “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”. Saved by grace, we praise God for giving us these holy privileges and blessings of the faithful remnant to worship Him and do His will, proclaiming the saving Gospel to the world. InChrist, Paul says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” [Galatians 3:28- 29].
LESSON
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
THOUGHT
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