March 24
The Christian's Daily Treasury"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision available any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." — Galatians 6:15.
PAUL, in his letter to the Galatians, warns them against a reliance on superficial notions and creeds. In the passage before us, note
EVERY CHRISTIAN IS A NEW CREATURE. This is a doctrine of paramount importance, as it involves the first principles, and is associated with our last supports in religion. In what respects is he a new creature? Morally, not physically. New faculties are not given to the soul, but those faculties have new qualities. Contemplate this new creation in three ways.
Its extent. It affects all the powers of the mind — the understanding is enlightened, the judgment is rectified, the will subdued, the affections purified, the conscience changed; and this is discovered in its tenderness, its composure, its admonitions to duty, and its reproofs for sin.
Its source. None can renew the soul, but that Divine Being who at first created the world. The Divine image being defaced from the soul of man, the finger of God alone can retrace the glorious lineaments; and this he does by the enlightening and transforming power of his Holy Spirit.
Its manner. There is much mystery in the mode of the Spirit's operations on the heart. It is compared to the falling of the dew, and the blowing of the wind; the effects of which we see, and the causes of which we know, but cannot understand their precise manner. With regard to the new birth, the change is instantaneous, though the development is gradual. Look to the fields, "first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear."
NOTHING SHORT OF THIS NEW CREATION WILL AVAIL. The meaning of the verse is simply this: In the Gospel dispensation, neither the circumcision of the Jew, nor the uncircumcision of the Gentile, will avail any thing towards our acceptance with God, but a new creature, a mighty change produced in the heart. All outward forms in religion will prove utterly unavailing, if there is the absence of genuine godliness and unfeigned piety. The water may be sprinkled on the face in baptism, the name of Christ may be in the mouth by religious profession, the bread and wine in the lips at the Lord's supper, while Christ is not formed in the heart. Let the subject lead us to self-examination and serious reflection.