THURSDAY June 4, 2020
Transgressors
And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
Romans 2:27-29
The Apostle Paul once again clarified the Scriptures. The physical descendants of Abraham had been properly circumcised. Yet a transgressor was a willful breaker of the law—they were guilty by association. Paul made it very clear that a person had to be born again of the Holy Spirit inwardly, Jew and Gentile, no difference. There had to be a change of heart; otherwise, the Law of God would ultimately bring a person to judgment.
Those who are extremely religious are the hardest people to share the truths of the Gospel with. I have found they are so set in their ways. I remember one person who could not accept the fact that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Their main focus of prayer and worship was Mary, the mother of Jesus. They mistakenly believe Mary is the one to save them. Not so. It is going to cost them eternity—so sad.
Just like the Jews, religious people will use their title. However, it does not matter if you are Catholic, Mormon, Jehovah’s Witnesses or a Protestant. The question is, “Did you repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Savior (John 3:16), and are you obeying the Word of God?” There has to be a change of heart. If there is, you can move forward in your relationship with God and be blessed with His grace, mercy and love.
Remember, the law condemns a person, but the grace of God forgives them. It is important not to be so proud and harden your heart in unbelief. When presented with the truths in the Word of God, are you unwilling to humble yourself and listen?
There’s a difference between knowing God and knowing about God. When you truly know God, you have energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him.
~J. I. Packer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!