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Post by zionlion on Oct 8, 2009 20:28:25 GMT -8
Paul's letter to the believers in Rome - [2:17-29]
But if you call yourself a Jew and rely upon the Law and boast of your relation to Elohim and know His will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed in the Law, and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth---you then who teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the Law, do you dishonor Elohim by breaking the Law? For, as it is written, "The name of Elohim is blasphemed among the gentiles because of you."
Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the Law; but if you break the Law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the Law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the Law. For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. He is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart, spiritual and not literal. His praise is not from men but from Elohim.
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Post by Mark on Oct 9, 2009 5:55:10 GMT -8
One of the problems with reading Paul's letters is that we want to encapsulate his message inot thirty second sound bites. Paul doesn't talk that way, and while I understand what you are saying, others who would not wish to take the time continue reading may miss the point. First, Paul goes on in Romans 3 to declare that the Jewish people have every advantage over the gentile for walking in intimacy with Adonai. Yet, the Tanakh clearly demonstrates (Paul quotes Psalm 14:1-3) that there is no flesh that is without sin, thus all must come to Adonai on the basis of their faith in His merciful atonement. The was given to the Jewish people not to give them access to a relationship not available to others; but that through Israel all the world may enter into that relationship. Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. [Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. (Romans 3:27-30 KJV) His argument centers upon the idea of circumcision in Romans 4, countering the idea that relationship with Adonai is not won simply through covenant relationship but through faith. (I'm not going to copy the text here but would hopethose interested may take the time to read it.) This does not diminish that covenant relationship as Paul later will say, "all Israel shall be saved" (Romans 11:26) but with regard those that reject the relationship of faith relying solely upon ethnicity, "for they are not all Israel, which are of Israel...". I have an analogy that I liek to use about Uncle Louie's Bakery. Uncle Louie (fictitious character) owns a bakery down in Old town Brooklyn. He sees the gangs and the rough kids running around and his heart goes out to them, yet, what can one man do? Being Italian, he has strong family ties and lots of nephews growing into manhood. He is very careful to make every effort he can to specifically see that they stay on a responsible course to maturity and don't fall into trouble with the Law. He actively goes to his brothers and sisters and tells them, "Send Tony down to the shop tomorrow because I have work for him." Now, the street kids that are drawn by an honest dollar and a quiet life, Louie always has room for them. All they have to do is come in and fill out an application. They're as good as hired. But Tony and his cousins, Uncle Louie has actively and aggressively sought out. No application. You've got the job. Just come in and do the work. There is no favoritism. All the kids get paid the same. And if you're not willing to do the job, each kid is equally offered the same kick in the pants. But there is am established relationship between Italian kids, while the rest of us have to search it out.
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Post by zionlion on Oct 9, 2009 12:12:04 GMT -8
I chose these verses because Paul is showing us the primacy of faith and for both Jew and gentile. True faith produces obedience. The special privilege of being a son or daughter of Jacob comes with a special responsibility - to live in a manner which honors Elohim and does not cause gentiles to stumble. Do you think Uncle Louie expects his relatives to conduct themselves honorably so as to bring respect for him and his family?
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