Birthright

Please enjoy an excerpt from my new book, 52 Days of Grace, available now on Amazon.

Birthright

“Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;  if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;  if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark,  an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—  you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?  You who preach against stealing, do you steal?  You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?  You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?  You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?  As it is written: ‘God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.’

“Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.  So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?  The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

“A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.”  (Romans 2:17-28)

The other day I was working late and my daughter was making dinner.  When it was ready, she called the whole family and we gathered around the table, enjoying the food and each other’s company.  It struck me that I had not lifted a finger to make the delectable meal, but I was enjoying the fruits of my daughter’s labor simply because I was a part of the family.   My family connection bought me a ticket to that fine feast.

Sometimes we take on this same expectation regarding salvation.  We think if we were born into a Christian family, we are automatically invited to dine at the table of salvation.   Paul teaches us in Galatians 6:15 that circumcision, or birthright, no longer buys us a spot in God’s family.  Instead, it is a simple faith in Jesus Christ that inducts us into His family. 

Billy Sunday, Evangelist of the early 20th Century, knew this truth only too well.  Despite the fact that he had led thousands of people to Christ, his own sons remained lost.  Their birth into the family of a man whom God used to impact so many did nothing for their own salvation.  They were not automatically adopted into God’s family by their birthright.  Instead, they had to repent and trust in Jesus, just like everyone else.  There is no special privilege in the kingdom of God!

If you think you are part of the family of God because you were born into a church-going family, or do all the things you think God wants you to do like attend Bible study and serve others, remember the words of preacher and writer Vance Havner.  He said, “You can become a Christian by going to church just about as easily as you can become an automobile by sleeping in a garage.”  Don’t rely on your family heritage or your outward works.  Taste the Lord for yourself and see that He is good! (Psalm 34:8)

“…confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and

believe in your heart that God raised him from

the dead, you will be saved.”  (Romans 10:9)

Have you trusted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?

Do you spend time in quiet study, reflection and meditation on God’s Word, helping you to better get to know your Savior?

Heavenly Father,

I praise You for Your gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.  Because of this overwhelming gift, anyone has a chance to live with You forever.   Sometimes I take this act of grace for granted and keep You at a distance, assuming that going to church will save me.  I ask for strength to be able to stick with my daily time with You; I want to know You more!

In Jesus’ Name I pray,

Amen

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