Ephesians 2:11 But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about ...

2:11 MSG

逐节对照

The Message - But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, hadn’t a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.
新标点和合本 - 所以你们应当记念：你们从前按肉体是外邦人，是称为没受割礼的；这名原是那些凭人手在肉身上称为受割礼之人所起的。
和合本2010（上帝版-简体） - 所以，你们要记得：从前你们按肉体是外邦人，是“没受割礼的”；这名字是那些凭人手在肉身上“受割礼的人”所取的。
和合本2010（神版-简体） - 所以，你们要记得：从前你们按肉体是外邦人，是“没受割礼的”；这名字是那些凭人手在肉身上“受割礼的人”所取的。
当代译本 - 因此，你们要记住，从前按照肉体来说你们是外族人，那些肉体上受过人手所行割礼的以色列人，称你们为“没有受过割礼的”。
圣经新译本 - 你们应当记得，你们从前按肉体来说是外族人；那些所谓在肉体上受过人手所行的割礼的人，称你们为未受割礼的。
中文标准译本 - 所以你们当记住：从前，你们照着肉体说是外邦人，被那些所谓“受割礼的”称为“没受割礼的”；割礼是人手在肉体上所行的。
现代标点和合本 - 所以你们应当记念：你们从前按肉体是外邦人，是称为没受割礼的，这名原是那些凭人手在肉身上称为受割礼之人所起的；
和合本（拼音版） - 所以你们应当记念，你们从前按肉体是外邦人，是称为没受割礼的，这名原是那些凭人手在肉身上称为受割礼之人所起的。
New International Version - Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—
New International Reader's Version - You who are not Jews by birth, here is what I want you to remember. You are called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “circumcised.” But they have only been circumcised in their bodies by human hands.
English Standard Version - Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—
New Living Translation - Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts.
Christian Standard Bible - So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh — called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands.
New American Standard Bible - Therefore remember that previously you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision” which is performed in the flesh by human hands—
New King James Version - Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—
Amplified Bible - Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, who are called “Uncircumcision” by those who called themselves “Circumcision,” [itself a mere mark] which is made in the flesh by human hands—
American Standard Version - Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands;
King James Version - Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
New English Translation - Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh – who are called “uncircumcision” by the so-called “circumcision” that is performed on the body by human hands –
World English Bible - Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision” (in the flesh, made by hands),
新標點和合本 - 所以你們應當記念：你們從前按肉體是外邦人，是稱為沒受割禮的；這名原是那些憑人手在肉身上稱為受割禮之人所起的。
和合本2010（上帝版-繁體） - 所以，你們要記得：從前你們按肉體是外邦人，是「沒受割禮的」；這名字是那些憑人手在肉身上「受割禮的人」所取的。
和合本2010（神版-繁體） - 所以，你們要記得：從前你們按肉體是外邦人，是「沒受割禮的」；這名字是那些憑人手在肉身上「受割禮的人」所取的。
當代譯本 - 因此，你們要記住，從前按照肉體來說你們是外族人，那些肉體上受過人手所行割禮的以色列人，稱你們為「沒有受過割禮的」。
聖經新譯本 - 你們應當記得，你們從前按肉體來說是外族人；那些所謂在肉體上受過人手所行的割禮的人，稱你們為未受割禮的。
呂振中譯本 - 故此你們要記得、你們從前在肉身上做外國人、被那所謂割禮、在肉身上用人手行的、稱為沒受割禮；
中文標準譯本 - 所以你們當記住：從前，你們照著肉體說是外邦人，被那些所謂「受割禮的」稱為「沒受割禮的」；割禮是人手在肉體上所行的。
現代標點和合本 - 所以你們應當記念：你們從前按肉體是外邦人，是稱為沒受割禮的，這名原是那些憑人手在肉身上稱為受割禮之人所起的；
文理和合譯本 - 故當記憶爾昔以形軀為異邦人、彼於形軀由人手所謂割者、謂爾為無割、
文理委辦譯本 - 宜思爾族為異邦人、惟外貌受人割禮者、議爾未嘗受割、
施約瑟淺文理新舊約聖經 - 故爾曹當記憶、爾按本身昔為異邦人、彼稱為受割禮之人、即身受手行之割禮者、譏爾曹未受割禮、
吳經熊文理聖詠與新經全集 - 爾在血統上為外邦人、且一般曾身受人為之割禮者、咸呼爾為未割之民。
Nueva Versión Internacional - Por lo tanto, recuerden ustedes los gentiles de nacimiento —los que son llamados «incircuncisos» por aquellos que se llaman «de la circuncisión», la cual se hace en el cuerpo por mano humana—,
현대인의 성경 - 그러므로 여러분은 지난날을 생각해 보십시오. 날 때부터 이방인이었던 여러분은 손으로 포피를 잘라 할례를 행한 유대인들에게 ‘할례받지 못한 사람들’ 이라고 멸시를 받았습니다.
Новый Русский Перевод - Помните поэтому, что вы по рождению язычники, которых так называемые «обрезанные» человеческим обрезанием, совершаемым руками, называли «необрезанными».
Восточный перевод - Помните поэтому, что вы по рождению язычники, которых так называемые «обрезанные» (прошедшие этот обряд, совершаемый руками человеческими и только на теле) называли «необрезанными».
Восточный перевод, версия с «Аллахом» - Помните поэтому, что вы по рождению язычники, которых так называемые «обрезанные» (прошедшие этот обряд, совершаемый руками человеческими и только на теле) называли «необрезанными».
Восточный перевод, версия для Таджикистана - Помните поэтому, что вы по рождению язычники, которых так называемые «обрезанные» (прошедшие этот обряд, совершаемый руками человеческими и только на теле) называли «необрезанными».
La Bible du Semeur 2015 - C’est pourquoi, vous qui portez, dans votre corps, la preuve que vous n’êtes pas des Juifs et qui donc êtes traités d’« incirconcis » par ceux qui se disent « les circoncis » à cause d’un rite accompli sur leur corps et par des hommes, rappelez-vous quelle était votre situation autrefois.
リビングバイブル - あなたがたも以前は異教徒として、ユダヤ人から、神を信じない「汚れた者」と呼ばれていたことを思い出してください。もっとも、そういうユダヤ人も、神を敬うしるしとしての割礼（男子が生まれて八日目に、その性器の包皮を切り取る儀式）を受けて、信心深そうに儀式や礼拝を守っていたとはいえ、心は汚れたままだったのですが。
Nestle Aland 28 - Διὸ μνημονεύετε ὅτι ποτὲ ὑμεῖς τὰ ἔθνη ἐν σαρκί, οἱ λεγόμενοι ἀκροβυστία ὑπὸ τῆς λεγομένης περιτομῆς ἐν σαρκὶ χειροποιήτου,
unfoldingWord® Greek New Testament - διὸ μνημονεύετε ὅτι ποτὲ ὑμεῖς, τὰ ἔθνη ἐν σαρκί, οἱ λεγόμενοι ἀκροβυστία ὑπὸ τῆς λεγομένης περιτομῆς ἐν σαρκὶ χειροποιήτου,
Nova Versão Internacional - Portanto, lembrem-se de que anteriormente vocês eram gentios por nascimento e chamados incircuncisão pelos que se chamam circuncisão, feita no corpo por mãos humanas, e que,
Hoffnung für alle - Vergesst nie, dass ihr früher verächtlich »Unbeschnittene« genannt wurdet, weil ihr zu den nichtjüdischen Völkern gehört. Die Juden wollten sich als »Beschnittene« von euch unterscheiden, obwohl ihre Beschneidung nur von Menschen durchgeführt wird.
Kinh Thánh Hiện Đại - Đừng quên rằng trước kia anh chị em là người nước ngoài, bị người Do Thái coi là vô đạo, ô uế, vì họ tự cho là thánh sạch. Kỳ thực lòng họ vẫn ô uế, dù thân họ đã chịu thánh lễ cắt bì, một nghi lễ do tay người thực hiện.
พระคริสตธรรมคัมภีร์ไทย ฉบับอมตธรรมร่วมสมัย - เพราะฉะนั้นจงระลึกว่าแต่ก่อนท่านเป็นคนต่างชาติโดยกำเนิด และบรรดาผู้ที่เรียกตนเองว่า “พวกที่เข้าสุหนัต” (ซึ่งกระทำทางกายด้วยมือมนุษย์) เรียกท่านว่า “พวกไม่เข้าสุหนัต”
พระคัมภีร์ ฉบับแปลใหม่ - ฉะนั้น จงจำไว้ว่าแต่ก่อนพวกท่านเป็นบรรดาผู้ที่เป็นคนนอกฝ่ายกาย และพวกที่ถือว่าตนเป็น “พวกที่เข้าสุหนัต” ได้เรียกท่านว่า “พวกที่ไม่เข้าสุหนัต” โดยที่พวกเขาเข้าสุหนัตด้วยฝีมือมนุษย์

交叉引用

Deuteronomy 16:12 - Don’t forget that you were once a slave in Egypt. So be diligent in observing these regulations.
Galatians 2:15 - We Jews know that we have no advantage of birth over “non-Jewish sinners.” We know very well that we are not set right with God by rule-keeping but only through personal faith in Jesus Christ. How do we know? We tried it—and we had the best system of rules the world has ever seen! Convinced that no human being can please God by self-improvement, we believed in Jesus as the Messiah so that we might be set right before God by trusting in the Messiah, not by trying to be good.
1 Samuel 17:26 - David, who was talking to the men standing around him, asked, “What’s in it for the man who kills that Philistine and gets rid of this ugly blot on Israel’s honor? Who does he think he is, anyway, this uncircumcised Philistine, taunting the armies of God-Alive?”
Galatians 4:8 - Earlier, before you knew God personally, you were enslaved to so-called gods that had nothing of the divine about them. But now that you know the real God—or rather since God knows you—how can you possibly subject yourselves again to those tin gods? For that is exactly what you do when you are intimidated into scrupulously observing all the traditions, taboos, and superstitions associated with special days and seasons and years. I am afraid that all my hard work among you has gone up in a puff of smoke!
Ezekiel 36:31 - “‘And then you’ll think back over your terrible lives—the evil, the shame—and be thoroughly disgusted with yourselves, realizing how badly you’ve lived—all those obscenities you’ve carried out.
Isaiah 51:1 - “Listen to me, all you who are serious about right living and committed to seeking God. Ponder the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were dug. Yes, ponder Abraham, your father, and Sarah, who bore you. Think of it! One solitary man when I called him, but once I blessed him, he multiplied. Likewise I, God, will comfort Zion, comfort all her mounds of ruins. I’ll transform her dead ground into Eden, her moonscape into the garden of God, A place filled with exuberance and laughter, thankful voices and melodic songs.
Ephesians 5:8 - You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
Colossians 1:21 - You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message. * * *
Jeremiah 9:25 - “Stay alert! It won’t be long now”—God’s Decree!—“when I will personally deal with everyone whose life is all outside but no inside: Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab. All these nations are big on performance religion—including Israel, who is no better.”
Colossians 2:11 - Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It’s not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you’re already in—insiders—not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin. If it’s an initiation ritual you’re after, you’ve already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.

逐节对照

交叉引用

The Message - But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, hadn’t a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.
新标点和合本 - 所以你们应当记念：你们从前按肉体是外邦人，是称为没受割礼的；这名原是那些凭人手在肉身上称为受割礼之人所起的。
和合本2010（上帝版-简体） - 所以，你们要记得：从前你们按肉体是外邦人，是“没受割礼的”；这名字是那些凭人手在肉身上“受割礼的人”所取的。
和合本2010（神版-简体） - 所以，你们要记得：从前你们按肉体是外邦人，是“没受割礼的”；这名字是那些凭人手在肉身上“受割礼的人”所取的。
当代译本 - 因此，你们要记住，从前按照肉体来说你们是外族人，那些肉体上受过人手所行割礼的以色列人，称你们为“没有受过割礼的”。
圣经新译本 - 你们应当记得，你们从前按肉体来说是外族人；那些所谓在肉体上受过人手所行的割礼的人，称你们为未受割礼的。
中文标准译本 - 所以你们当记住：从前，你们照着肉体说是外邦人，被那些所谓“受割礼的”称为“没受割礼的”；割礼是人手在肉体上所行的。
现代标点和合本 - 所以你们应当记念：你们从前按肉体是外邦人，是称为没受割礼的，这名原是那些凭人手在肉身上称为受割礼之人所起的；
和合本（拼音版） - 所以你们应当记念，你们从前按肉体是外邦人，是称为没受割礼的，这名原是那些凭人手在肉身上称为受割礼之人所起的。
New International Version - Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—
New International Reader's Version - You who are not Jews by birth, here is what I want you to remember. You are called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “circumcised.” But they have only been circumcised in their bodies by human hands.
English Standard Version - Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—
New Living Translation - Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts.
Christian Standard Bible - So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh — called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands.
New American Standard Bible - Therefore remember that previously you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision” which is performed in the flesh by human hands—
New King James Version - Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—
Amplified Bible - Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, who are called “Uncircumcision” by those who called themselves “Circumcision,” [itself a mere mark] which is made in the flesh by human hands—
American Standard Version - Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands;
King James Version - Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
New English Translation - Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh – who are called “uncircumcision” by the so-called “circumcision” that is performed on the body by human hands –
World English Bible - Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision” (in the flesh, made by hands),
新標點和合本 - 所以你們應當記念：你們從前按肉體是外邦人，是稱為沒受割禮的；這名原是那些憑人手在肉身上稱為受割禮之人所起的。
和合本2010（上帝版-繁體） - 所以，你們要記得：從前你們按肉體是外邦人，是「沒受割禮的」；這名字是那些憑人手在肉身上「受割禮的人」所取的。
和合本2010（神版-繁體） - 所以，你們要記得：從前你們按肉體是外邦人，是「沒受割禮的」；這名字是那些憑人手在肉身上「受割禮的人」所取的。
當代譯本 - 因此，你們要記住，從前按照肉體來說你們是外族人，那些肉體上受過人手所行割禮的以色列人，稱你們為「沒有受過割禮的」。
聖經新譯本 - 你們應當記得，你們從前按肉體來說是外族人；那些所謂在肉體上受過人手所行的割禮的人，稱你們為未受割禮的。
呂振中譯本 - 故此你們要記得、你們從前在肉身上做外國人、被那所謂割禮、在肉身上用人手行的、稱為沒受割禮；
中文標準譯本 - 所以你們當記住：從前，你們照著肉體說是外邦人，被那些所謂「受割禮的」稱為「沒受割禮的」；割禮是人手在肉體上所行的。
現代標點和合本 - 所以你們應當記念：你們從前按肉體是外邦人，是稱為沒受割禮的，這名原是那些憑人手在肉身上稱為受割禮之人所起的；
文理和合譯本 - 故當記憶爾昔以形軀為異邦人、彼於形軀由人手所謂割者、謂爾為無割、
文理委辦譯本 - 宜思爾族為異邦人、惟外貌受人割禮者、議爾未嘗受割、
施約瑟淺文理新舊約聖經 - 故爾曹當記憶、爾按本身昔為異邦人、彼稱為受割禮之人、即身受手行之割禮者、譏爾曹未受割禮、
吳經熊文理聖詠與新經全集 - 爾在血統上為外邦人、且一般曾身受人為之割禮者、咸呼爾為未割之民。
Nueva Versión Internacional - Por lo tanto, recuerden ustedes los gentiles de nacimiento —los que son llamados «incircuncisos» por aquellos que se llaman «de la circuncisión», la cual se hace en el cuerpo por mano humana—,
현대인의 성경 - 그러므로 여러분은 지난날을 생각해 보십시오. 날 때부터 이방인이었던 여러분은 손으로 포피를 잘라 할례를 행한 유대인들에게 ‘할례받지 못한 사람들’ 이라고 멸시를 받았습니다.
Новый Русский Перевод - Помните поэтому, что вы по рождению язычники, которых так называемые «обрезанные» человеческим обрезанием, совершаемым руками, называли «необрезанными».
Восточный перевод - Помните поэтому, что вы по рождению язычники, которых так называемые «обрезанные» (прошедшие этот обряд, совершаемый руками человеческими и только на теле) называли «необрезанными».
Восточный перевод, версия с «Аллахом» - Помните поэтому, что вы по рождению язычники, которых так называемые «обрезанные» (прошедшие этот обряд, совершаемый руками человеческими и только на теле) называли «необрезанными».
Восточный перевод, версия для Таджикистана - Помните поэтому, что вы по рождению язычники, которых так называемые «обрезанные» (прошедшие этот обряд, совершаемый руками человеческими и только на теле) называли «необрезанными».
La Bible du Semeur 2015 - C’est pourquoi, vous qui portez, dans votre corps, la preuve que vous n’êtes pas des Juifs et qui donc êtes traités d’« incirconcis » par ceux qui se disent « les circoncis » à cause d’un rite accompli sur leur corps et par des hommes, rappelez-vous quelle était votre situation autrefois.
リビングバイブル - あなたがたも以前は異教徒として、ユダヤ人から、神を信じない「汚れた者」と呼ばれていたことを思い出してください。もっとも、そういうユダヤ人も、神を敬うしるしとしての割礼（男子が生まれて八日目に、その性器の包皮を切り取る儀式）を受けて、信心深そうに儀式や礼拝を守っていたとはいえ、心は汚れたままだったのですが。
Nestle Aland 28 - Διὸ μνημονεύετε ὅτι ποτὲ ὑμεῖς τὰ ἔθνη ἐν σαρκί, οἱ λεγόμενοι ἀκροβυστία ὑπὸ τῆς λεγομένης περιτομῆς ἐν σαρκὶ χειροποιήτου,
unfoldingWord® Greek New Testament - διὸ μνημονεύετε ὅτι ποτὲ ὑμεῖς, τὰ ἔθνη ἐν σαρκί, οἱ λεγόμενοι ἀκροβυστία ὑπὸ τῆς λεγομένης περιτομῆς ἐν σαρκὶ χειροποιήτου,
Nova Versão Internacional - Portanto, lembrem-se de que anteriormente vocês eram gentios por nascimento e chamados incircuncisão pelos que se chamam circuncisão, feita no corpo por mãos humanas, e que,
Hoffnung für alle - Vergesst nie, dass ihr früher verächtlich »Unbeschnittene« genannt wurdet, weil ihr zu den nichtjüdischen Völkern gehört. Die Juden wollten sich als »Beschnittene« von euch unterscheiden, obwohl ihre Beschneidung nur von Menschen durchgeführt wird.
Kinh Thánh Hiện Đại - Đừng quên rằng trước kia anh chị em là người nước ngoài, bị người Do Thái coi là vô đạo, ô uế, vì họ tự cho là thánh sạch. Kỳ thực lòng họ vẫn ô uế, dù thân họ đã chịu thánh lễ cắt bì, một nghi lễ do tay người thực hiện.
พระคริสตธรรมคัมภีร์ไทย ฉบับอมตธรรมร่วมสมัย - เพราะฉะนั้นจงระลึกว่าแต่ก่อนท่านเป็นคนต่างชาติโดยกำเนิด และบรรดาผู้ที่เรียกตนเองว่า “พวกที่เข้าสุหนัต” (ซึ่งกระทำทางกายด้วยมือมนุษย์) เรียกท่านว่า “พวกไม่เข้าสุหนัต”
พระคัมภีร์ ฉบับแปลใหม่ - ฉะนั้น จงจำไว้ว่าแต่ก่อนพวกท่านเป็นบรรดาผู้ที่เป็นคนนอกฝ่ายกาย และพวกที่ถือว่าตนเป็น “พวกที่เข้าสุหนัต” ได้เรียกท่านว่า “พวกที่ไม่เข้าสุหนัต” โดยที่พวกเขาเข้าสุหนัตด้วยฝีมือมนุษย์

Deuteronomy 16:12 - Don’t forget that you were once a slave in Egypt. So be diligent in observing these regulations.
Galatians 2:15 - We Jews know that we have no advantage of birth over “non-Jewish sinners.” We know very well that we are not set right with God by rule-keeping but only through personal faith in Jesus Christ. How do we know? We tried it—and we had the best system of rules the world has ever seen! Convinced that no human being can please God by self-improvement, we believed in Jesus as the Messiah so that we might be set right before God by trusting in the Messiah, not by trying to be good.
1 Samuel 17:26 - David, who was talking to the men standing around him, asked, “What’s in it for the man who kills that Philistine and gets rid of this ugly blot on Israel’s honor? Who does he think he is, anyway, this uncircumcised Philistine, taunting the armies of God-Alive?”
Galatians 4:8 - Earlier, before you knew God personally, you were enslaved to so-called gods that had nothing of the divine about them. But now that you know the real God—or rather since God knows you—how can you possibly subject yourselves again to those tin gods? For that is exactly what you do when you are intimidated into scrupulously observing all the traditions, taboos, and superstitions associated with special days and seasons and years. I am afraid that all my hard work among you has gone up in a puff of smoke!
Ezekiel 36:31 - “‘And then you’ll think back over your terrible lives—the evil, the shame—and be thoroughly disgusted with yourselves, realizing how badly you’ve lived—all those obscenities you’ve carried out.
Isaiah 51:1 - “Listen to me, all you who are serious about right living and committed to seeking God. Ponder the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were dug. Yes, ponder Abraham, your father, and Sarah, who bore you. Think of it! One solitary man when I called him, but once I blessed him, he multiplied. Likewise I, God, will comfort Zion, comfort all her mounds of ruins. I’ll transform her dead ground into Eden, her moonscape into the garden of God, A place filled with exuberance and laughter, thankful voices and melodic songs.
Ephesians 5:8 - You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
Colossians 1:21 - You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message. * * *
Jeremiah 9:25 - “Stay alert! It won’t be long now”—God’s Decree!—“when I will personally deal with everyone whose life is all outside but no inside: Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab. All these nations are big on performance religion—including Israel, who is no better.”
Colossians 2:11 - Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It’s not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you’re already in—insiders—not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin. If it’s an initiation ritual you’re after, you’ve already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive—right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.