Jew & Gentile, Equal Before God

How can we recognize sin yet not be judgmental of others? Is it because we should also recognize that we are all guilty of sin?

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. (Romans 2:1 NLT)

Does Paul differentiate good works from works of the law? Are our good works in this life only rewarded with greater eternal blessings or is eternal life itself also based upon whether or not we do good works? Can we let Romans speak for itself?

God will repay everyone based on their works. [How?] On the one hand, he will give eternal life to those who look for glory, honor, and immortality based on their patient good work. But on the other hand, there will be wrath and anger for those who obey wickedness instead of the truth because they are acting out of selfishness and disobedience. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. God does not have favorites. (Romans 2:6-11 CEB)

Do people sin with or without the law?

For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law (Romans 2:11-12 KJV)

Do human societies often instinctively respect parts of God’s law against things like murder, theft, false testimony and adultery?

God accepts those who obey his Law, but not those who simply hear it. Some people naturally obey the Law's commands, even though they don't have the Law. This proves that the conscience is like a law written in the human heart. And it will show whether we are forgiven or condemned (Romans 2:13-15 CEV)

Does possession of God’s law alone make anyone righteous? Does this also apply to Christians who have the Gospel, but disobey Christ? Does Christian history also contain atrocities?

You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? For, as it is written: The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you. (Romans 2:23-24 HCSB)

Can circumcision be useless if it doesn’t go along with a circumcised heart?

Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. (Romans 2:25 NIV)

Circumcision was a physical command that separated Jews from Gentiles (Genesis 17:10-14; Exodus 12:48; Leviticus 12:3). What is true circumcision, and who does it identify?

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh (Romans 2:28 KJV)

What was circumcision originally meant to portray?

So circumcise your heart, and do not stiffen your neck any longer. (Deuteronomy 10:16 NASB)

What does circumcision of the heart mean?

The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. (Deuteronomy 30:6 NIV)

How does Paul explain this? Who are true Jews?

But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God. (Romans 2:29 NASB)

True circumcision is of the heart and, though the Jew was first in time order, both Jew and Gentile are judged equally before God. God “will give eternal life to those who look for glory, honor, and immortality based on their patient good work. But on the other hand, there will be wrath and anger for those who obey wickedness instead of the truth because they are acting out of selfishness and disobedience.” Will you obey God? You decide!