“A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.” vs28-29

Our praise must be from God, rather than men. This is an important point to happiness and eternal peace. We cannot have a religion of human approval, as if I am better than others and so accepted. I must be accepted by living faith.

Here, Paul connects living with believing, as he always does; it is never a dead faith. He says, “Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law [love], will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?” Faith that justifies is faith that’s unto godliness [Titus 1:1]. We are justified without works by a faith that works. Doing righteousness is what the law demands, and it is performed by every believer. Paul says elsewhere, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law [Rom 13:10].”

The Lord Jesus died to take away the curse. This is the mystery - that God DIED for us who believe. Eternal God united Himself with Humanity in one glorious Person, Christ Jesus, and then His Father resurrected Him. God died in the Person of the Son, so that God can be reconciled to sinners and justify us. Do not let this pass you by: Redemption is accomplished, all who believe are saved, and the righteousness of God is revealed [Rom 1:17].

Whoever forsakes this righteousness imputed to faith forsakes the only hope that you have. The law will come for you as a transgressor. You have no good works. You are without God and under condemnation for rejecting His Son. Yet, if you have faith, then you also have the life of faith, and you do good to your neighbor. “This gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God [Col 1:6].”

Do you have this justifying righteousness? Do you live by faith?

Too many think, “I have faith, so I don’t need works,” and they are wrong. Others say, “I have works,” and they are wrong. Some, however, are true children, who say, “I have faith WITHOUT works, and I have faith THAT works.” Is this you? Are you justified without doing, and do you do because you are justified? Are you saved by grace with works as the fruit? These things must be believed: The tree must bear good fruit from its root. Do not miss the gospel by adding your works of righteousness or denying the righteousness it produces.