But, as Jews, we have tended to see this problematic behaviour only in our enemies, the “gentile sinners”, and been blind to our own sin. We need to realise that we are in the same boat and that God will call us to account for our own behaviour. We need to understand that we are not exempt from God’s judgement and remember that unrepented sin leads to punishment. Conversely anyone who strives to do good will be rewarded with the fullness of life in the age to come.

As Jews, our possession of the Law is no talisman: we need to obey the law just as non-Jews need to obey their conscience (which is like a law written on their hearts) in order to be accepted by God. Indeed part of my good news is that God will judge every man: justice will come and the oppressed will be vindicated and freed.

And so, my Jewish brothers, if you really want to be the true Israel, called to be a light to the world (as Isaiah wrote and Jesus commanded) and a blessing to the nations (as was God’s plan in Abraham), look to yourselves first before you criticise failings in others and consider God’s mercy to you when you feel like judging. Remember how Isaiah and Ezekiel wrote that our sins are dishonouring God before the nations and consider that your special status with God was a calling to real holiness and obedience for a purpose outside of our borders for the world.

So “Jewishness” and things like circumcision are not talismans or some kind of special exemption from condemnation but a sign of our vocation which only is legitimatised if we keep God’s commands. Ironically, non-Jews who keep God’s commands will be regarded as His people even though they are not circumcised: what counts is obedience as evidence of a pure heart.

<< Romans 1 | Romans 3 >>