If you are a (CHRISTIAN), you are relying on God’s law (of grace) for your special relationship with him. You boast that all is well between yourself and God. Yes, you know what he wants; you know right from wrong because you have been taught his law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a beacon light for people who are lost in darkness without God. You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that in God’s law you have complete knowledge and truth. Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you do it? You condemn idolatry, but do you steal from pagan temples? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, “The world blasphemes the name of God because of you.” The (CHRISTIAN) ceremony of circumcision (baptism) is worth something only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than a (MUSLIM or BUDDHIST or WICCAN). And if the (MUSLIM or BUDDHIST or WICCAN) obey(s) God’s law, won’t God give them all the rights and honors of being his own people? In fact, (MUSLIMS or BUDDHISTS or WICCANS) who keep God’s law will be much better off than you (CHRISTIANS) who are circumcised (baptized) and know so much about God’s law but don’t obey it. For you are not a true (CHRISTIAN) just because you were born of (CHRISTIAN) parents or because you have gone through the (CHRISTIAN) ceremony of circumcision (baptism). No, a true (CHRISTIAN) is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision (baptism) is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. Whoever has that kind of change seeks praise from God, not from people.
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