Presuming that you are a Christian and considering saint Paul's reflections on Judaism in Romans chapter three the question arises, "given that you are a Christian do you want to be a Jew?"
Romans 3:
Romans 3:
1 Of what use is it, then, to be a Jew? What value was there in circumcision?
2 Much, I answer, in every respect; chiefly because the Jews had the words of God entrusted to them.
3 Some, to be sure, shewed unfaithfulness on their side; but can we suppose that unfaithfulness on their part will dispense God from his promise? It is not to be thought of;
4 God must prove true to his word, though all men should play him false; so it is written, Thy dealings were just, and if thou art called in question, thou hast right on thy side.✻
Ps. 50.4.
5 Thus our fault only serves to bring God’s integrity to light. (Does that mean that God does wrong in punishing us for it?
6 Impossible again, even according to our human standards; that would mean that God has no right to judge the world;
7 it would mean that because my deceitfulness has promoted God’s glory by giving scope to his truthfulness, I on my side do not deserve to be condemned as a sinner.
8 If so, why should we not do evil so that good may come of it? That is what we are accused of preaching by some of our detractors; and their condemnation of it is just.)
9 Well then, has either side the advantage? In no way. Jews and Gentiles, as we have before alleged, are alike convicted of sin.✻
‘Has either side the advantage?’; the Greek word here may mean ‘Do we excel them?’ or ‘Are we excelled by them?’ Nor are commentators agreed whether ‘we’ refers to the Jews or to the Gentiles. But the general sense remains clear.
10 Thus, it is written, There is not an innocent man among them, no, not one.
11 There is nobody who reflects, and searches for God;
12 all alike are on the wrong course, all are wasted lives; not one of them acts honourably, no, not one.✻
vv. 10-12: Ps. 13.2, 3.
13 Their mouths are gaping tombs, they use their tongues to flatter. Under their lips the venom of asps is hidden.✻
Ps. 5.10; Ps. 139.3.
14 Their talk overflows with curses and calumny.✻
Ps. 9 (second part), 7.
15 They run hot-foot to shed blood;
16 havoc and ruin follow in their path;✻
vv. 15-17: Is. 59.7, 8.
17 the way of peace is unknown to them.
18 They do not keep the fear of God before their eyes.✻
Ps. 35.1.
19 So the law says, and we know that the words of the law are meant for the law’s own subjects; it is determined that no one shall have anything to say for himself, that the whole world shall own itself liable to God’s judgements.✻
‘The law’ seems to be used here, as often, for the Old Testament generally.
20 No human creature can become acceptable in his sight by observing the law; what the law does is to give us the full consciousness of sin.
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