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it, but base metal is not gold, even though it be so stamped. The terms “Jew” and “circumcision” are nothing more than signs, just as $ and £ are monetary sym bols. ThesC are not money, but simply money signs. One may have a million of these signs and yet not be worth a cent or a farthing. (c) The apostle takes up certain ob jections to the'arguments he has made, and to the conclusion drawn therefrom, and answers these objections ( 3 : 1 - 8 ). The objections may be looked ,upon in a threefold manner: iirst. What advantage was there in being a Jew and forming a, part of a great religious organism, seeing that the bless ings of the covenants made with these people were of altogether a spiritual nature? Second. Circumstances and history seem to show that, while the Jews were the recipients of a divine revelation from God, yet the overwhelming majority of these people did not accept by faith this divine revelation. Inasmuch, therefore, as its benefits were conferred by spiritual rather than national means, of what advantage was it to be a Jew? Third. If the sin of mdn can only really bring God’s righteousness into clearer light, where, then, lies the righteousness of God in punishing man for the committal of that which contributes only to God’s glory? The Jiw Answered, The apostle seems to sum up his answer •to these questions in one bold affirmation: “Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God” (3:2). By the word “oracles” is doubtless meant the revelation of God’s will as contained in the Old Testament, Primarily, this word doubtless had referred to the most holy place in the Tabernacle,. where the high priest ascertained the mind of God. It also designates the revelation of the mind of God, the Law, given at Sinai. I t ’was the wonderful honor and privilege of the Jew that to him had been Committed
stance, religious environment, and spiritual privileges, much has been given, much shall be required in that great day. “What do ye more than others?” (b) Cornering the Jew ( 2 : 25 - 29 ). Having shown the Jew that he, equally with the Gentile, is a sinner, the apostle now seeks to drive the Jew from his confi dence in those things—ceremonialism and Mosais'm—in which he had taken refuge. All the privileges of whcih the Jew has boasted and which the apostle has admitted, while valid, may be of no saving value. To have the name of a “Jew,” to have submit ted to the rite of “circumcision,” may have been something from a national point of view, but such things ha'd no spiritual value in themselves. Outward profession alone does not count for either Jew or Gentile. Before these names can count, a Jew must be a real Jew (2:28, 29), and a Gentile, a real Christian (Romans 10:9; 6:17). The racial seal and the spiritual reality are sep arable. The Jew may be a Gentile, and cir cumcision may become uncircumcision. The Jew must not confound these things. If the aim of circumcision was uprightness, and if the Gentile exhibited a more upright character than the Jew, then was not the Gentile a better man than the Jew, even though he did not have the religious name or rite ? Reality Needed. We are not to mistake the signs of membership in the church, our denomina tional name, and our having submitted to a church rite.or sacrament for real Chris tian living any more than the name “Jew” or the rite of circumcision for a real Jew. These signs really prove nothing in themselves considered. A religious rite and Christian name are worthless unless at tended by a corresponding Christian life. These things are no substitute or atone ment for wrong living, but rather an aggravation of the same. Those who make no claim to such a name or ceremonial may be more acceptable ..to God than those who do. .Bullion is gold, even though it have no government stamp upon
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