For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
Romans 2:28-29 (ESV)
Romans 2:28-29 (ESV)
These few sentences are both a rebuke of legalists' futile attempts at self-salvation and also a promise to those who despair that noone recognizes their effort. First, God proclaims that His people are not those who are physically like His people--they are those who love Him with a Spiritual love. The law ("the letter") is not what saves; rather the Spirit of God. But while this is more foundational to Christian faith, it is far less theologically deep than the short last sentence of Romans chapter 2: "His praise is not from man but from God." Listen to that: God's people are praised by God. We not only praise God, He praises us. What an amazing, inconceivable truth! The Majesty of Heaven will call us "good and faithful" (Matt. 25:21, 23). When the world calls us "narrow-minded," "backwards," or "foolish," we can remember that man's praise is as nothing compared to praise from God.
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1 comment:
Isn't it amazing that the whenever we do something for God by the will and strength He gave us, He blesses us?
Excellet post, Colin, continue the powerful and thought provoking posts.
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