Word@Work Romans22 - Romans 2:28-29
Published: Thu, 09/15/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
GOD KNOWS THOSE WHO BELONG TO HIM
Romans 2:28-29 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. (NIV)
External appearances are all that we can see. Religion, wherever it may be found, tends to accumulate external symbols, rites and ceremonies which are considered 'essential' for anyone who wants to be a part of it. That was the Jewish background too. When some Jews believed in Jesus as the Messiah, they thought the signs were still necessary for their salvation.
Circumcision was one of those signs. It represented a person being cut-out to be holy to the Lord. It was a God-given sign of the old covenant of God's love to those who loyally obeyed Him. But faithful obedience can never be created by cutting flesh; only the Holy Spirit can change our desires so that we forsake all other gods and only serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
All those who come in repentance to Jesus, have already started that sort of 'heart circumcision'. External signs cannot save us, only faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). There is no external way to mark a humble and contrite heart. But God can see it ... and that is enough! 2 Timothy 2:19 says, "God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You that You know who belongs to You and who does not. You do not need any external body marking to identify those who have allowed the Holy Spirit to change their hearts. Please forgive me when I make judgements about people based on what I can see: I know that Your assessment is always right because You see everything. May I not rely on religious signs but on the saving power of Jesus Christ alone. In His Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
External appearances are all that we can see. Religion, wherever it may be found, tends to accumulate external symbols, rites and ceremonies which are considered 'essential' for anyone who wants to be a part of it. That was the Jewish background too. When some Jews believed in Jesus as the Messiah, they thought the signs were still necessary for their salvation.
Circumcision was one of those signs. It represented a person being cut-out to be holy to the Lord. It was a God-given sign of the old covenant of God's love to those who loyally obeyed Him. But faithful obedience can never be created by cutting flesh; only the Holy Spirit can change our desires so that we forsake all other gods and only serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
All those who come in repentance to Jesus, have already started that sort of 'heart circumcision'. External signs cannot save us, only faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). There is no external way to mark a humble and contrite heart. But God can see it ... and that is enough! 2 Timothy 2:19 says, "God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You that You know who belongs to You and who does not. You do not need any external body marking to identify those who have allowed the Holy Spirit to change their hearts. Please forgive me when I make judgements about people based on what I can see: I know that Your assessment is always right because You see everything. May I not rely on religious signs but on the saving power of Jesus Christ alone. In His Name. Amen.
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