The Blog

Circumcision was a symbol of having the right background and doing everything required by religion.

But no amount of work, discipline, or moral behavior can save us.

If a person was counting on finding favor with God by being circumcised, he would also have to obey the rest of God’s law completely.

But trying to save ourselves by keeping all of God’s laws only separates us from God.

Persecution proved that Paul was preaching the true gospel. If he had taught what the false teachers were teaching, no one would be offended. Jesus said not to be surprised if the world hates you, because it hated him. Just as Paul continued to faithfully proclaim the message about Christ, we must continue on doing the ministry God has given us – in spite of the obstacles others may put in our way.

Galatians 5:3-11
3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.