Rules

I have recently been in touch with a dear friend from high school. We have communicated off and on since graduating in 1991. I was able to share Christ with her during our high school years, and she seemed receptive to Him at the time. Unfortunately, I also impressed upon her a bunch of “Christian rules” necessary for her to have a relationship with Him. That was my understanding of Christianity back then, and so I was merely passing my beliefs on to someone who was learning about them. I think those rules may have driven her away from Christ for a time at least. And honestly I don’t know where she currently is with regards to her relationship with God. I have spoken limitedly about God when we have communicated - enough to let her know subtly that I have changed regarding “the rules.” I wish so much that I could come right out and speak to her from my heart, but honestly, I don’t want to drive her away again. I am saddened by this.

There are a lot of Christians who impose rules on other believers – if not out loud, then silently in their hearts. This is not a new practice. Obviously, there were some in Paul’s day who were trying to convince converts (new, Gentile – whomever they were) that there were certain things needed to achieve salvation. Paul refuted such teachings until his dying day. In this particular section, he was reminding the Philippians to beware of those who falsely proclaimed the Word of God, declaring that salvation was something achievable. Paul was referring to the Judaizers – those who imposed Jewish law on Gentile believers, claiming that living by the law was the only means of attaining salvation. Paul referred to them as dogs – vicious animals who attacked the innocent (not your typical domesticated pet); men who did evil – those whose work was nothing less than evil; mutilators of the flesh – a sarcastic phrase used because it was nothing more than that to a Gentile who did not understand circumcision.

Paul attacks further by explaining that all that is needed for salvation is the circumcision of the heart – that which cannot be done by any man, but by God alone. Salvation is an internal change rather than an external one. Salvation is the work of God alone, and it is through faith in Him that we receive salvation. There is no other gospel message. Paul is reminding the Philippians of this. Those whose hearts have been circumcised worship by the Spirit of God rather than practicing a law. They glory in Christ and not themselves. Nothing more is necessary than the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross. Finally, those who have been internally circumcised put no confidence in themselves, for man can do nothing to please God. Once again, it is the work of Christ alone.

Nothing Can I Boast In

At God’s perfect timing, Christ died for fallen Man.
He wore a crown of thorns, nails driven through His hands.
Christ willingly endured it, to death He chose to go
He broke His body for us, shed blood to make us whole.

Nothing can I boast in, my life is scarred with sin.
My works are filthy rags, no merit can I bring.
Yet mercy filled Christ’s heart, love took Him to the tree.
It’s grace alone which saves me; Christ’s blood that sets me free.

So if I am to boast, I’ll speak of my disgrace
For my weak self displays the power of God’s grace.
Christ’s Spirit works within me, in weakness He is strong.
So I look to my Saviour to safely bring me home.

Bryson Smith and Philip Percival, 1996 Plainsong Music

It is vital, my friend, that we know our Bibles – not just read, but know the truths contained on the pages of God’s very word. We can easily be fooled by wolves in sheep’s clothing or lies that are dressed up to look like truths. We must do all we can to know the Word of God that we might stand for truth in an age where people believe in relativism. And if we know God and love Him, we will understand the joy of living with His “rules” – those loving ways that He longs to protect us and have us delight in Him; after all, He is our perfect Heavenly Father.

God’s grace and peace be with you as you seek Him.