Romans 2 by Terry Chaney

And the bad news goes on . . .

Romans 2

Depressing chapter Essential chapter

The Sinfulness of the Jews

Until you know how bad off you are, can you ever appreciate the good news? Until you realize you are lost, will you want to be saved?

Romans 2:12:1-3

1You You,, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

Idolatry Homosexuality Unrighteousness Wickedness Greed Evil Envy Murder Strife

Deceit Malice Gossip Slander Hatred for God Insolence Arrogance Boastfulness Rebellion ETC!

One who ______ another for the very kinds of things he has condemned in ch. 1. “You” appears how many times? Cf. “They” of ch. 1. “But,” says the reader, “I don’t do those kinds of things! They make me sick.”

“Well, okay, but the really bad sins don’t apply to me!”

I’m NOT characterized by . . .

Wait just a minute! Who is Paul talking to?

One of the implications of what Paul says here is that even the Jew who has special revelation falls short as a hypocrite Of course, hypocrisy isn’t just a Jewish problem

Why think 2:1ff is directed toward the Jews????

The judgmental attitude toward Gentiles was typical of Judaism This person is a participant “of the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience.” Paul’s argument is that special privilege or advantage does not exempt one from the judgment of God – typically Jewish V. 17 specifically names the Jew

Accuser of Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, St. Petersburg Evangelist charged with robbery (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Times, March 9, 1977, page 7B.

Another fire at mission of Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, St. Petersburg Evangelist (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Times, March 4, 1975, page 3B.

Another trial delay for Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, beleagered St. Petersburg Evangelist (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Independent, April 27, 1979, page 20A.

Are mission run by Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, St. Petersburg Evangelist unsanitary? (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Times, September 29, 1976, page 1B.

Are there still fire hazards at missions of Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, St. Petersburg Evangelist (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Times, September 31, 1976, page 3B.

Arie Colson, woman confined to wheelchair, abandoned at John 3:16 Cook's mission (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Times

Attempts to arrest witness in DUI case of Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, St. Petersburg Evangelist (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Independent, May 26, 1977, page 12A.

City of St. Petersburg may close misson of Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, former drug addict and alcoholic turned St. Petersburg Evangelist (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Times, March 4, 1972, page 3B.

Cleanup sought for missions of Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, St. Petersburg Evangelist (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Independent, September 29, 1976, page 16A.

David Lance Gutherie, son of Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, commits suicide in Pinellas County jail (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Independent, June 23, 1979, page 16A.

David Lance Gutherie, son of Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, gets three years for burglary (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Times, June 5, 1978, page 4B.

David Lance Gutherie, son of Sonny Austin, aka "John 3:16" Cook, hangs self in Pinellas County jail (may not be exact title) (newspaper article), St. Petersburg Times, June 25, 1979, page 1B.

Guess who is the professional with the highest default rate on student loans? Repayment of student loans is a legal obligation These people take an oath to uphold the law

The world includes an abundance of hypocrisy

Paul’s point here? The one who condemns others is himself condemned because he does the same kinds of things Remember King David? Ever had a King David kind of experience?

“Thou art the man!”

A possible misunderstanding

Is Paul saying here that there is no difference between homosexuality and gossip? Between arrogance and talking back to your parents? In what sense is all sin alike? Are there sins that are worse in God’s eyes than other sins?

Sexual sin is against the body Blasphemy of the HS

If this is not the case, then why pick on Sodom and Gomorrah? The antediluvian world? Polygamy a sin? Divorce? Idolatry? All the same? But God tolerated the first 2!

Specifically, it is the Jew who condemns the Gentile who condemns himself here – Huh? All the way from here through 3:20 Paul will be establishing the point that everyone is in the same boat: All are condemned for breaking the law which they know.

Lk 12:42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Still it is true that any sin makes you a sinner Traditional illustrations: Volcano lava

Still it is true that any sin makes you a sinner Traditional illustrations: Biting worms

“But,” some one might say, “wait a minute. The God I believe in is a God of love, a God of kindness and patience. After all, just look at v. 4.”

2:4

4Or

do you show contempt for (presume upon) the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

What does the person here do that is presumptuous? Who are the people primarily in mind? What kind of history of presumption did the Jews have? So why is it that God is patient? Why does he withhold judgment? Why doesn’t he strike immediately and give people what they deserve? There would be less sin!

So what have we seen so far? (From D.S. Briscoe, p. 58)

5But

because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.

2:6 2:6--11 = A Chiasm A. God will judge everyone equitably v 6 B. Those who do good will attain eternal life v 7 C. Those who do evil will suffer wrath v 8 C’. Wrath for those who do evil v 9 B’. Glory for those who do good v 10

A’. God judges impartially v 11

The Judgment of God is . . . According to truth (2:2) Inescapable (2:3) Cumulative (2:4(2:4-5) What lies ahead? His judgment is . . . Based on man’s actions (2:6(2:6-10) Impartial (2:11(2:11-15)

Morris, The Cross, p. 116 “It is the invariable teaching of the Bible . . . that judgment will be on the basis of works, though salvation is all of grace. Works are important. They are the outward expression of what the person is deep down.”

See 2110_1135.pdf

F.F. Bruce, Eph & Col, p. 295.

“While salvation in the Bible is according to grace, judgment is always according to works.”

Hmmm. How can that be? Look at the text first: 6God

"will give to each person according to what he has done." 7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8But for those who are self--seeking and who reject the truth and follow self evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism.

Interpretation 1

Hypothetical only –

Interpretation 2

The “Just Kidding” theory (Melanchthon, Hodge) If anyone when judged by law WERE perfect and faultless, then he would be exonerated as Paul says. What he does NOT say is that no one ever attains that perfection. So the only part of this that applies is the condemnation part for those who fail.

The Amnesiac Theory –

Interpretation 3

The “Viewed from the perspective of Law only theory” (Cottrell)

Things to keep in mind

Salvation IS by grace

Paul is not speaking from the grace perspective, but that of law You CAN choose to relate to God by law IF YOU DO, then these are the rules Salvation by grace will be introduced later. Those saved by grace are not judged by these criteria.

Things to keep in mind

Salvation IS by grace

Romans 5:15 -- 15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!

Paul is inconsistent (Fritzsche) On some occasions he speaks of salvation as being due to the free grace of God Here he speaks of it as being due to merit The two positions cannot be reconciled

Acts 15:11 -- 10Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are. Romans 3:24 -- 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Things to keep in mind

Salvation IS by grace

Ephesians 1:51:5-7 -- 5he[a] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

Things to keep in mind

Salvation IS by grace

Things to keep in mind

8For

Ephesians 2:82:8-10 -it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Salvation IS by grace

Things to keep in mind

BUT judgment will be “according to deeds”

Things to keep in mind

Eccles. 11:9 –

BUT judgment will be “according to deeds”

9Be

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Things to keep in mind BUT judgment will be “according to deeds”

Job 34:11 – 11 He repays a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his conduct deserves.

Ps 62:12 -12 and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.

Eccles. 12:14 – 14

happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.

I Timothy 1:141:14-15 -- 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners— sinners—of whom I am the worst.

Things to keep in mind

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

Prov 24:12 – 12 If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

Things to keep in mind

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

Things to keep in mind

Jer 17:917:9-10 9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

But all that is OT stuff!

Things to keep in mind

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

Things to keep in mind Matthew 25:3125:31-46

The Sheep and the Goats 31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right 34"Then the and the goats on his left. King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

Matthew 16:27 27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

Things to keep in mind

40"The

King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Jer 32:1732:17-19 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. 18 You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers' sins into the laps of their children after them. O great and powerful God, whose name is the LORD Almighty, 19 great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; you reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve.

John 5:285:28-29 28"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29and come out— out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.

Things to keep in mind

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

Things to keep in mind

1 Corinthians 3:123:12-15 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

Things to keep in mind

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

Things to keep in mind

2 Corinthians 5:10 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 11:15 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

Things to keep in mind

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

Ephesians 6:8 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. 2 Timothy 4:14 14Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.

1 Corinthians 4:5 5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Galatians 6:76:7-9 7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Things to keep in mind

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

Revelation 2:23 23I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Things to keep in mind

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

Things to keep in mind

Revelation 11:18 18The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great— great— and for destroying those who destroy the earth."

How shall all the “judgment passages” be explained?

Some refer to temporal judgment only

Revelation 20:1220:12-13 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.

Temporal Punishment only

How shall all the “judgment passages” be explained?

Judgment will be “according to deeds”

2 Chron 6:30 Isa 59:18 Ezek 33:20 But this does not explain all the judgment passages

Degrees of reward and penalty

Some refer to the judgment of works to determine degrees of reward or penalty

Is our heavenly reward or condemnation to hell a pass/fail matter or does it involve degrees of reward or punishment? Passages: Mt 25:28 (Parable of Talents); Lk 19:1119:11-27 (Pounds); I Cor 3:103:10-15; Mt 5:19; 18:4; 19:28; Mk 10:3510:35-45 Conclusion: there will be degrees of reward and punishment. People in heaven will not have the exact same reward or experience. Cf hell.

How shall all the “judgment passages” be explained?

Some clearly refer to judgment of works for the purpose of determining eternal destiny – heaven or hell

The Problem: Salvation by grace; judgment by works

Solution #1: Perhaps these passages refer to the primary criterion of judgment (law), before the final criterion of grace is applied

The Dead Are Judged 11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Any potential problems stand out?

See Rev 20:1120:11-15

The Problem: Salvation by grace; judgment by works

Solution #2: Works are cited on the day of judgment as evidence of the presence or absence of saving faith

The Problem: Salvation by grace; judgment by works

Evaluate

Justification is indeed by faith, but the faith that justifies is a faith that works (James 2:17--18). 2:17

“The only faith that saves is a faith that works. The only works that save are works of faith.”

Grace does not remove the obligation to obey. God expects and demands good works. Works as evidence of faith: 1 Thess 1:3; Gal 5:6; Heb 11; James 2:18; John 15:115:1-8. See 1 Tim 1:5 Buchanan, p. 357 Matt 12:33 – A tree is known by its fruit. Our fruit does not make us the kind of tree we are, but what we are produces the kind of fruit we bear

So how is our situation any different than it was under law? 1

Works are the inevitable expression and a necessary evidence of the presence of saving faith – but not a sufficient evidence Works are a natural consequence or result of saving faith

Under grace works are only indirectly related to justification, not directly so as under law

Under Grace

80 60 Under Law

0 Under Law

100

So how is our situation any different than it was under law? 2

Under law, absolute righteousness is required.

Under grace absolute faith is required But only relative righteousness

Paul Denies Justification

100 ? ?

50 0 Under Grace

Degree of Righteousn ess Degree of Faith Required

James Affirms Justification

Under Law FAITH

Good Works

Faith

Works

Faith

Works

• That justification is by faith AND works •That justification has the same relation to faith and works Justification

Good Works Justification

So how is our situation any different than it was under law? 3

Looking forward to judgment?

Under grace we are enabled to do good works acceptably by the divine aid of the Holy Spirit

Why are works brought out on the day of judgment at all???

To demonstrate the impartiality of God

God’s impartiality is emphasized in Scripture How can it be demonstrated? How can “every mouth be shut” and charges of favoritism avoided? By letting the good deeds of the Saints speak for themselves One’s good deeds will make it evident that God’s verdict is just

The Importance of Judgment Day

A day of vindication for God A day of vindication for all God’s people A day of humiliation and condemnation for the Serpent A day of humiliation and condemnation, shame and horror for the unbeliever (worse than blowing the first question on “Who wants to be a Millionaire?”)

Warnings

If your understanding of salvation by grace rules out the need for or importance of works (cf. Grace Evangelical Society “faith--onlyism”), change it! “faith But if your idea of salvation is that it includes your works as the basis and merit for your salvation, change that too!

Romans 2:122:12-13 12All

who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

The false confidence of the Jews

“The Law is not a talisman calculated to preserve those who possess it.” --C.K. --C.K. Barrett False Confidence

Jewish false confidence

Gentile condemnation of Jews Romans 2:14(Indeed,

when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a Does this mean they just law for themselves, themselves, even though they make up their own rules? do not have the law, 15since they That is, “what the law show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their demands” consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now So are these perfect Gentiles? Sinless?? even defending them.) 16This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

Got secrets?

Gentile morality

Do the Gentiles sometimes do what they are supposed to? Avoid theft? Murder? Dishonoring parents? Coveting? Lying? Adultery? Even if they don’t have the Law, i.e., the Law of Moses, they still have what? Where did it come from? General revelation from creation? Written on the heart? “What do theolgians say to six mill. Jews?”

Conscience

Con = “with” science = “knowing” “It is that built in ability to compare our actions with some objective standard or law, and to render a verdict of right or wrong on the basis of that comparison.” “The conscience itself is not a source of knowledge; it is an instrument of judgment, a kind of moral alarm system that depends upon knowledge from some other source.”

Conscience (cont.)

Jim Townsend: “Conscience is an ideal Moses, and thunders from an invisible Sinai.” R.C. Sproul Young man in Wichita

Any problems with Conscience

Post--sin handicaps Post

The Conscience can be hardened The Conscience can compare one’s actions to faulty knowledge of the law. It’s judgments are then undependable

Harvard U’s Dr. Robert Coles: “There’s no inner voice screaming at people saying, ‘This is wrong!’ or if there is, they say, ‘I’ve got to get rid of that voice. There’s something wrong having a voice like that.’”

So when measured by their own standard, how did the Jews look? 17But

if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth-truth-21you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? Any lesson here for us?

So when measured by their own standard, how did the Jews look? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."

“Rob Temples” – 3 Possibilities 1.

2. 3.

Using gold & silver articles from pagan temples Withholding temple tax Metaphorically of sacrilege in general

What about circumcision?

If just having the law isn’t enough to save the Jews, what about circumcision? Circumcision does not guarantee salvation! In fact, the only circumcision of value is that which is accompanied by obedience. It is here, once again, where the Jews fall short.

Romans 2:25ff 25For

circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law,*What but did if you break the law,What your God originally want? is the ideal? circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?

Romans 2:25ff 25For

circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law,*What but did if you break the law,What your God originally want? is the ideal? 26So, if a circumcision uncircumcision. He wantedbecomes circumcision AND obedience to the rest the law manofwho is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?

Romans 2:25ff 25For

circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law,* but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Which is better?

A. To have circumcision without obedience B. To have obedience without circumcision

28For

27Then

he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. These people are no different than the circumcised pagans of the world.

no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. Which of these is the true Jew?

25"Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh-26Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all who dwell in the desert who cut the corners of their hair, for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart."

Heart Circumcision – A new Idea?

THE END of Romans 2!

Jubilees 1:23 – “I will circumcise the foreskin of their heart and make a holy spirit for them.” Odes of Solomon 11:111:1-2 – “My heart was circumcised . . . for the most high circumcised me by his Holy Spirit.” Deut. 10:16 – “The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts.” Romans 2:29 – “Circumcision is . . . Of the heart, by the Spirit.”