Romans 3:29-31 True Christianity does not make one religious, it causes one to become like Christ
Romans 3:29-31 True Christianity does not make one religious, it causes one to become like Christ
Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.
Background
The Jews supposed that it is only by circumcision or the practice of the Law can one be saved. But scripture says that God justifies and saves one who possesses faith regardless of his religious heritage and practices. Thus, both Jews and Gentiles are judged and saved by their faith alone and not by their peculiar religious affiliation and practices. Regrettably, many in the church today practice Christianity as a religion as opposed to seeking to become like Christ. They seek to convert others as opposed to touching them with acts of kindness and power. A religious mindset has it roots in pride and false righteousness. But Christianity based on faith is about loving God and loving others. Today’s devotion teaches us: True Christianity does not make one religious, it causes one to become like Christ.
Observation
Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,…
The above question draws from v.28 that indeed God justifies (saves) those who possess faith regardless of their culture and heritage. One possesses faith when he fears God and loves others. Many Gentiles possess the fear of God even though they have no knowledge of Jesus. They display sincere love and concern for others, especially for the needy. To them, God makes Himself known so that He can become a Father to them.
Therefore, it must be recognised that the faith journey of the Gentiles differs from the Jews, for the Jews come to know faith through the Law. Ultimately, it is faith that saves, not knowledge, works or heritage relating to the Law. To further substantiate, Paul said concerning the righteous judgement of God…
Who (God) will render to each person according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek. – Romans 2:6-9
When God judges, He does not consider a person’s religious knowledge, practices or heritage. But only the posture of a person’s heart.
Indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.
The Jews, having been guided by the Law for thousands of years invariably see themselves as more superior to the Gentiles. However, the oneness of God implies that God will justify both the Jews and the Gentiles by a common principle: their state of faith, which is the kind of life they live.
Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.
Paul then asks the next question: If both Jews and Gentiles are judged by their state of faith, then is the Law made redundant? Paul emphatically said, “May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” The Gentiles, in their cultures and laws possess precepts that are consistent with the Jewish Law. Indeed, the precepts of God are holy and are above religion, they cut across different cultures, philosophies and religions around the world. The fact that the Gentiles find enlightenment in Christ establishes the fact that the law of God is universal. However, the Jews do not interpret the law as God interprets it. They see the law of circumcision as the only path to salvation while despising the way God presents His truth and precepts in the Gentiles’ peculiar culture and religion. It is through faith, that we fulfil the law within the heart.
Truth
True Christianity does not make one religious, it causes one to become like Christ.
The role of religion
The role of religion is a bridge to faith in Christ; Christ-likeness. In a broader context, religion functions to preserve and uphold the moral fabric of society. So as to progressively lead men towards the ultimate enlightenment which is Christ-likeness. Although not all religions are equal in revelation of the truth, they are broadly considered as having the same purpose. Put it overtly, the Christian religion is the not the way to salvation, but Christ is.
Religion is self-serving, but Christ-likeness is about serving another
Christianity is not the way, but it does point to Christ, which is the way to faith and salvation. Religion comprises laws and practices that leads to faith. But not all who practice the Christian religion display faith or love. Similarly, not all couples who said the wedding vows display the same commitment for each other. Regrettably, many in Christendom practiced Christianity as a religion, but not to attain Christ-likeness. The root of a religious mentality is self-preservation, deception and falsehood. But one who practices Christianity correctly is seek to live out God’s attributes by loving others. It is no wonder why many in the church do not experience miracles and the intimate presence of Christ in their lives. They study the scriptures but have little desire to commune with Christ. Such has little faith. For the Jesus we know from the Gospels is never focused on self-preservation, but on doing God’s will from the heart. In my observation as a pastor, I see as many non-Christians living out manifesting a kind of love that Jesus manifested.
We see the same phenomenon in the days of Jesus. The Jews, who boasted in the Law for thousands of years could not recognise Jesus as the Son of God and murdered Him. Yet the Gentiles who did not know the Law believed Him. In Matthew 8:10-12, Jesus commended the centurion who believed in Him as the Healer and Messiah,
“Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel…”
But to the Jews, Jesus said,
“but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Thus, believers must repent by removing the facade of religion to practice true Christianity: Christ-likeness. To practice Christianity is…
- To commune with Christ and walk with Him moment by moment.
- To know Christ’s mind, His perceptions and plans for the world.
- To adopt His mission concerning humanity.
- To become like Him in living out His virtues and in doing good.
- To acquire divine authority and accomplish the mission.
Application
How do we free ourselves from restrictive cultures and religion?
- When we read the word, focus on acquiring wisdom and understanding, not knowledge.
- Develop a hunger for intimacy with Jesus.
- Discover and eliminate the things that separate us from Christ: life goals, lifestyle, convictions, habits etc.
- Learn from others how we can relate with Christ more intimately.
- We must not see non-believers as having less faith than believers but learn from them.
Dear Lord, I thank you for calling me in a special way. Indeed, I am not lesser than those who spent all their lives in church. Cause me to grow in faith and in Christ-likeness. So that I may accomplish my mission on earth. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.