1 Corinthians 7:19 KJV
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Gill's commentary says in part;
"Circumcision is nothing,.... In the affair of justification before God, and acceptance with him; it cannot make any man righteous in the sight of God,...
...uncircumcision is nothing; it does not hinder any having an interest in, and partaking of the blessings of grace...
but the keeping of the commandments of God; that is something..."
The Apostle's point is that the key to spiritual faith is simply obedience to God. There is nothing magical about the ordinances of the church. There is no grace that is imparted because a person does the right thing.
None of those things are meritorious in themselves. The merit, the benefit, comes from the heart that seeks to follow the Lord. A person might look for loopholes, ways to get out of keeping God's commandments, but it is only to his own disadvantage.
But keeping the commandments of God is beneficial for us. It is why God gave them.
Sure we can get away with disobedience. But why would we want to?
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Gill's commentary says in part;
"Circumcision is nothing,.... In the affair of justification before God, and acceptance with him; it cannot make any man righteous in the sight of God,...
...uncircumcision is nothing; it does not hinder any having an interest in, and partaking of the blessings of grace...
but the keeping of the commandments of God; that is something..."
The Apostle's point is that the key to spiritual faith is simply obedience to God. There is nothing magical about the ordinances of the church. There is no grace that is imparted because a person does the right thing.
- Baptism
- The Lord's Supper
- Regular prayer and Bible study
- Tithing
- Etc.
None of those things are meritorious in themselves. The merit, the benefit, comes from the heart that seeks to follow the Lord. A person might look for loopholes, ways to get out of keeping God's commandments, but it is only to his own disadvantage.
- Whether a particular Christian act is imperative to go to heaven is not the issue; no act is.
- Whether that act will place us in God's favor is not the issue; we are already in His favor.
But keeping the commandments of God is beneficial for us. It is why God gave them.
- They make us fit witnesses
- They make us useful vessels in the Lord's service
- They prepare is for heavenly residence and
- They lay up for us treasures in heaven
Sure we can get away with disobedience. But why would we want to?
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