Romans 2
KJV
28+ For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
I’ve been looking closely at Paul’s observations regarding religious professions. For example the designation, Christian is applied to anyone who attends a Church. But is this what it should be?
In interviews when one is asked what religion he professes the answer is Christianity Meanwhile he does not live by what his faith teaches. His is an outward profession
This is what Paul was concerned about in the case of the Jew. He prides himself on being a Jew but in reality, his “ Jewishness “ is not seen through his deeds. It is only a tag or badge that he wears.
Beloved, Can’t this be said of many who profess to be Christians? Isn’t our profession just a tag or a badge we wear outwardly?
From what Paul is saying, One is not a Christian outwardly but rather inwardly. Christianity is not a badge to be worn but a life to lead. True Christianity is the outward expression of what is in the heart!
In other words, one is not a Christian by words but by deeds. Now, the question is do our deeds confirm what we profess to be?
Read what Paul said is the real definition of a Jew;
Romans 2:29
NIV
[29] No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
Apply this to our modern time, a Christian is one inward, on whose heart is written the laws/rules of Christ. It is deeds that define who is a Christian!
Let as many as profess to be Christians be seen and defined by their deeds and not by the outward expression of mere words!
A thought to share as it challenges me daily. A true Christian is one in deed.
John Franklin Tamakloe