Quote:
Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Does this imply a different method?
|
Good question. It would be very easy, from the English translation, to
get two different methods.
Romans 3:30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised
by faith and the uncircumcised
through faith is one.
Romans 3:30 επειπερ εις ο θεος ος δικαιωσει περιτομην
εκ πιστεως και ακροβυστιαν
δια της πιστεως
The preposition "
ek" (in red) indicates motion out from an origin (the starting place can be physical or mental). In some fairly rare constructions it can also indicate purpose (although not in this construction). The preposition "
dia" indicates (depending on the construction) 1) motion through (a physical place, a situation, an idea - with the genitive) 2) the means by which something occurs ("on account of," "because of" - with the accusative).
This one is linked to the genitive, so it indicates motion.
By using these two together as contrasts, it indicates the starting points, not the methods.
In other words, those of the circumcision are NOT justified by the circumcision, but the faith that they have had from the beginning. The faith in God they have learned from their childhood is what justifies them, NOT their traditions, religious ceremonies, or their race. Likewise, those without circumcision, who are only now beginning the journey of faith are saved by the same thing: faith. Thus, the same thing saves all men: faith. And whether you come from a family that already believes, and thus have been raised from early childhood to believe (coming out from an "origin" or "tradition" of faith) or you have only recently discovered Jesus, and are just now beginning your journey (you are only now learning to live "through" faith), both of you are saved by the same thing: faith.
So it is not a different method, it is a different starting point that all lead to the same place by means of the same thing: faith in Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace to you,
Rhomphaia