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Think of what a revolution it must have been when Jew and Gentile could sit down together at the table of the Lord, and forget circumcision and uncircumcision, and feel that they were all one in Jesus Christ.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith exerting its energy by love. Ye were running well: who hath hindered you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not from him who called you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole mass.
To propose these truths is to compel men to accept them, unless, indeed, they resist the Holy Spirit, either through dullness of understanding, or through uncircumcision of the heart. The attaching over much importance to the light of natural reason is a quenching of the Spirit of God.
I shall give you but one instance of it, although I could furnish you with a hundred printed ones. The Text, Sir, is this, Galatians vi. 15, For in CHRIST JESUS neither Circumcision nor Uncircumcision avail anything; but a new creature.
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
'Neither circumcision does anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love, does everything. He that trusts Christ opens his heart to Christ, who comes with His new-creating Spirit, and makes us willing in the day of His power to keep His commandments.
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
But, then, I can fancy a man saying: 'It is all very well to talk about bowing the will in this fashion; how can I do that? Well, let us take our second text the third in the order of their occurrence 'For neither circumcision is anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. That is to say, if we are ever to keep the will of God we must be made over again. Ay! we must!
And that covenant was expressly repealed in various parts of the New Testament; and particularly in the first epistle to the Corinthians, wherein it is said Ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. And again Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping of the commandments of God.
The word of faith, and the moral precept, is that which Paul enjoins the Galatians and Philippians, still avoiding outward circumstances: hence therefore when he had to the Galatians treated of faith, he falls point blank upon moral duties. 'For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. As many as walk according to this rule: What rule?
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