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Who can Keep the Family Promise?

Romans 2:25-27
Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a law-breaker. (NIVUK)

Circumcision was very important for the Jews.  It was the sign of God's family promise which was originally given to Abraham (Genesis 17:1-14).  It was a constant reminder to every Jewish man and his wife that God would love, protect and bless His people if they were loyal to Him.  It was so important that Old Testament Jews would be excluded from God’s family if they were not circumcised (Genesis 17:14).  

The legalistic Jews had not understood that having God’s written law and performing the rituals was not the same as loving the Lord their God with all of their heart and soul and mind and strength (Mark 12:30).  Circumcision was only the sign of the covenant.  The Jewish-background believers needed to understand that their circumcision meant nothing if they disobeyed God.  On the other hand, uncircumcised Gentiles who did please God were behaving as true members of His family.  

Could anyone, whether or not they are circumcised, keep God’s law perfectly?  No!  Only Jesus could completely fulfil all the law (Matthew 5:17).  So, salvation could never come through circumcision.  However, when Jews became believers in Jesus, they claimed that their circumcision gave them a closer relationship with God than the Gentiles.  But really, they were no better than the Gentile believers.  Paul was saying that it is useless to rely on a sign of being obedient if their hearts and actions are disobedient.  

The same sort of thing can happen in our time in the church.  Some people assume that God will give them preferential treatment because they can see signs of godliness around them: a strong Christian family; grandparents or parents who served the Lord; going to church; baptism; attending communion; wearing a cross; fasting; working 'for the church'; giving money; helping the poor.  All these might indicate a commitment to Christ Jesus, but can just be rites, rituals or routine thoughts or actions.  Salvation does not come through any of them, but only by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22-23).  Perhaps we also forget that while human beings look at the outward appearance, the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).  Does your devotion to the Lord match the external signs of belonging to Him and serving Him?  If not repent and start to obey what He says, today. 

Prayer 
Dear Heavenly Father. Thank You for promising to be with Your people. However, I am sorry when I have failed to love You with all of my heart and mind and soul and strength. Thank You for Jesus Christ, who was the perfect sacrifice for my sins, and for giving me the faith to trust in Him alone for my salvation. But I am sorry when I slip back and rely on the signs of Your presence and power rather than repenting of my sin and obeying what You say. Please help me to more devoted to Jesus as I go through this day. In His Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams