Ridderbos reflects on “how much Christ, the law, the Spirit, and love constitute a unity may appear from a comparison of the following parallel pronouncements.” I found his insights illuminating, and tried to reconstruct some of what he shows below.
| Galatians 5:6 | For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, | but only faith working through love. |
| Galatians 6:15-16 | For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision | but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule [= canon], peace and mercy be upon them, |
| 1 Corinthians 7:19 | For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, | but keeping the commandments of God.
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| Philippians 3:3 | For we are the real circumcision | Who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh |
The true “[S]pirituality” that the New Covenant in Christ produces is the work of love as it keeps the commandments of God born out of regeneration in the Spirit.
Paul: An Outline of His Theology p. 285ff.
Brian J. Lund 