Losing Religion to Find Salvation

Philippians 3:1–6
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In chapter one we learned that circumstances can rob us of our joy. In chapter two Paul showed us how people can also rob us of our joy. Now in chapter three he shows us how we need to be careful as things will also rob us of our joy (v. 7). It is very easy for us to get wrapped up in “things.” Tangible things are not in themselves wrong. In fact God made things, and the Bible declares that these things are good (Gen. 1:31). He even “giveth us richly all things to enjoy (I Tim. 6:17). On the other hand Jesus warns us that our life doesn’t consist in the abundance of what we have (Lk. 12:15).

Paul tells the people to be glad they belong to the Lord (v. 1). He also instructs them to watch out for those who act like dogs (v. 2). He gives three characteristics of what a Christian should be (v. 3):

1. A person who worships God in the Spirit.
2. A person who rejoices in Christ.
3. A person who has no confidence in the flesh.

If being a good Jew was what would get you into heaven Paul would have qualified (vv. 4-6). He was circumcised on the eighth day of the stock of Israel, was a Hebrew of the Hebrews concerning the law, was a zealous Pharisee, persecuting the Church, and being righteous in the law was blameless. These credentials would have impressed any Jew but didn’t qualify him for Heaven.

Application

Depending on Christian parents, church affiliation, baptism or just being good will never make me right with God. I am so thankful that my salvation comes only through faith in Christ and Him alone.