…since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. Romans 3:30&31
My primary takeaway in this passage is the concept that “works” matter…but not as a means to justification but as a fruit of faith and repentance. Genuine faith results in a transformation of the heart that produces the fruit of good works. James 2:14-26 goes into this in depth.
- (James 2:14)”So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
- (James 2:17)”You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.”
- (James 2:22)”For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
- (James 2:26)”What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?”
The outcome of our Salvation and expectations regarding the relationship between faith and works ,are clear.
One other interesting observation of this passage is this – “God is one-will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith”.
Although the terms ‘by’ and ‘through’ are interchangeable and complimentary, I think the intent is important. The Jews had grown up knowing who God is and they had been set apart (Circumcised) as God’s chosen people. So the evaluation is of their acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah (Life, death, and resurrection) and commitment to their God by Faith. For the Gentiles (Uncircumcised), their path is through a Faith in the God of Israel and the gift of redemption of sins through the death of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection.
APPLICATION
For where the Lord has brought me in my sanctification, I am committed to Jesus and obedience to Him in the terms of works…but I will admit that the condition of my heart and expectations in the striving to do good works is not always on the up and up. I can find myself in an incorrect mindset where I need to either check my intentions or anticipated outcomes. I am convicted that this is wrong…my focus alone should be to honor and glorify God in my works, loving on people, and selflessly serving the God Who gave ‘everything’ for me. My life is not my own, my life has been purchased, and my heart should always be inclined to the benefit of the Kingdom.