In Romans 2:17-29 Paul is basically saying that a real relationship with God is not primarily about outward morality and religious practice but about an inward spiritual process. Many Jews in Paul’s day believed that their observance of God’s law, in particular being marked by circumcision, was the most important thing. But Paul rebuts this saying that inward circumcision is the most important thing. He means that the inner working of God in our hearts is the true mark of being in relationship with God. Let me put it another way to make this clear. Many Christians often get caught up with the question, “Am I saved?” and no matter how much people sweat over this it seems hard to get any solid assurance. But there is a way of being assured of your salvation. Rather than asking, “Am I saved?” you need to ask yourself, “Am I being saved?” Because if God is dredging up stuff in your life and working on your heart day by day to cleanse you and grow you in faith, then you know that you are saved. God only works like this in the hearts of those who are his. You are forgiven first and then God sets to work on you so that you might become like Christ. This process of transformation in you is a sign that you are indeed forgiven and in God’s hands. Salvation, in the fullest sense of the word, is an everyday experience in which God speaks to you, leads you, corrects you and transforms your heart by his Spirit within you. Are you being saved?
Think about whether God is working in your heart to transform you. Pray that God would intensify this process within you.
Read Romans 2:17-29
