Galatians 5:1-15
Whether we like it or not, the United States was founded on the basis of religious freedom and in particular, the concept and practice of separation of church and state. Far from what some far right religious wingnut may lead you to believe, this is not a Christian country. It certainly is not a theocracy such as Iran. We believe in freedom of all kinds and religious freedom is paramount, it is why the Pilgrims came to this side of the pond in the first place.
But freedom does not mean freedom from laws and we are bound to a vast array of laws from religious, to legal to the natural. In today's passage it speaks of laws and salvation and judgement. The colloquial term for circumcision is "cut". Are you cut or uncut? I suppose our understanding today is based on health. Circumcision is done as a matter of good hygiene and has less to do with religious laws unless of course you are Jewish. But is being cut necessary for salvation? This is just another law (of the religious variety) that we are told in today's passage does not affect our salvation. In fact, if you go by that law, your salvation may very well be linked to the entirety of Jewish law. Paul is saying you are not justified by adherence to the law of circumcision.
Jesus would also add that he is the fulfillment of the law. You will find him breaking all sorts of laws, 'working' on the Sabbath, touching the unclean, his apostles plucking wheat on the Sabbath, performing miraculous healings on Holy days. Jesus' own examples show his feeling for the law.
Are we better people, saved and holy by adhering to laws? Abortion is legal in the United States, should we adhere to that law? Will you be saved? What laws are important and which one's can be dismissed? On any given day there is an enormous display of civil disobedience that I witness as countless vehicles fly by on the expressway well beyond the legal speed limit. Are they going to hell? Does Jesus look the other way or does God not love those 'sinners'?
This all sounds crazy. Where will it end? Is this a black whole of moralizing that allows faith in Jesus to put aside all laws? Well, we are not immune from the laws of gravity. We can't ignore all laws. We can't simply fly off like Superman. Which to obey, which to dismiss? Some time before my husband and I were legally wed, we read eachother vows of commitment in front of two witnesses. It was totally illegal yet it had real force, it was Sacramental. We invoked God and asked for His blessing. We broke the law!!!
Here's the deal: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. Jesus gave us two great commandments so we are not without guidance. Moses received the Ten commandments and the two temper those ten. Finally, when God created each one of us he gave us brains. I know, you'll argue that point but we were in fact given brains and we are to use them. Our brains are a vital part of our God given makeup. This is why conscience plays such a vital role in our life. Something may be legal but be wrong. Something may be illegal and be right. Let The love of Jesus be our guide. Let love be the lens of our actions. This is not anarchy, it's faith.
But freedom does not mean freedom from laws and we are bound to a vast array of laws from religious, to legal to the natural. In today's passage it speaks of laws and salvation and judgement. The colloquial term for circumcision is "cut". Are you cut or uncut? I suppose our understanding today is based on health. Circumcision is done as a matter of good hygiene and has less to do with religious laws unless of course you are Jewish. But is being cut necessary for salvation? This is just another law (of the religious variety) that we are told in today's passage does not affect our salvation. In fact, if you go by that law, your salvation may very well be linked to the entirety of Jewish law. Paul is saying you are not justified by adherence to the law of circumcision.
Jesus would also add that he is the fulfillment of the law. You will find him breaking all sorts of laws, 'working' on the Sabbath, touching the unclean, his apostles plucking wheat on the Sabbath, performing miraculous healings on Holy days. Jesus' own examples show his feeling for the law.
Are we better people, saved and holy by adhering to laws? Abortion is legal in the United States, should we adhere to that law? Will you be saved? What laws are important and which one's can be dismissed? On any given day there is an enormous display of civil disobedience that I witness as countless vehicles fly by on the expressway well beyond the legal speed limit. Are they going to hell? Does Jesus look the other way or does God not love those 'sinners'?
This all sounds crazy. Where will it end? Is this a black whole of moralizing that allows faith in Jesus to put aside all laws? Well, we are not immune from the laws of gravity. We can't ignore all laws. We can't simply fly off like Superman. Which to obey, which to dismiss? Some time before my husband and I were legally wed, we read eachother vows of commitment in front of two witnesses. It was totally illegal yet it had real force, it was Sacramental. We invoked God and asked for His blessing. We broke the law!!!
Here's the deal: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. Jesus gave us two great commandments so we are not without guidance. Moses received the Ten commandments and the two temper those ten. Finally, when God created each one of us he gave us brains. I know, you'll argue that point but we were in fact given brains and we are to use them. Our brains are a vital part of our God given makeup. This is why conscience plays such a vital role in our life. Something may be legal but be wrong. Something may be illegal and be right. Let The love of Jesus be our guide. Let love be the lens of our actions. This is not anarchy, it's faith.
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love.
You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. I am confident about you in the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. But my friends, why am I still being persecuted if I am still preaching circumcision? In that case the offence of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves!
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