The Finished Word

Jesus aparece pela primeira vez no Evangelho de Marcos , quando João o batiza no Rio Jordão. O relato o identifica com sua cidade natal, Nazaré, uma vila sem importância, embora sua insignificância desempenhe um papel na história. Ele é o “ Servo do Senhor ” ungido pelo Espírito que não se conforma com as expectativas populares.

A “ vida ” encontra-se na Palavra de Deus ou ‘ Logos .’ Esta vida é “ a luz dos homens ”. Está “ brilhando na escuridão ”, mas a escuridão permanece impotente para detê-la. Este mesmo ‘ Logos ’ tornou-se a Palavra Viva e vivificante em Jesus de Nazaré. Somente nele, a glória e a vida de Deus são manifestadas para que todos os homens vejam e experimentem - (João 1:1).

Persecution is always a possibility for the followers of Jesus and his Church. We may face hostility from employers, neighbors, government, and family members because of our beliefs and practices. So, how should we react when the possibility becomes a brutal reality? Jesus and the Apostles provided clear instructions and examples of how the Church must respond when faced with persecution.

Paul presents the points of agreement and disagreement with his Judaizing opponents in Galatia – Galatians 2:15-21 . What identifies the people of God and determines membership in His Assembly is Jesus, especially the Messiah revealed on the cross, and nothing else ! This does not mean that the Law of Moses served no purpose, but it is not the basis for determining who is acquitted of sin by God. Right standing before Him is obtained “ through the faith OF Jesus Christ ,” and not “ from the deeds of the Law .”

With the new era inaugurated by Jesus, circumcision is no longer the required sign of membership in the covenant community . Circumcision is an obstacle to any claim that disciples of Jesus are required to keep the regulations of the Mosaic Law. In the  Book of Genesis , circumcision was the entrance rite of the covenant with Abraham, the identifying sign of the covenant. Moreover, it is mandatory under the Law given through Moses at Mount Sinai. Therefore, if circumcision is no longer required for membership in the covenant, then the jurisdiction of the Law has changed .