There is a traditional teaching in Christianity that says that the church is now separated from and different from the Jews/Israelites. Does the Scripture support this belief? Let’s see.

²⁶ If therefore the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?

²⁷ And will not he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law?

²⁸ For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.

²⁹ But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. Romans 2:26-29

In this passage, Paul states that if a Gentile (uncircumcised) keeps the law/torah, that it will be regarded AS CIRCUMCISION, as being part of the people of God. Paul also states that if a Gentile keeps the torah/law, that he will be in a position to judge the Jews who transgress – don’t keep – the torah/lawa.

We know from the gospels and from biblical history, that the Jewish leaders of Paul’s day were corrupt, and that they did NOT obey the torah/law. Paul is simply referring to this common knowledge.

This passage states that a Jew/Israelite is one who inwardly keeps the “requirements of the Law” such as circumcision; one who is obedient to God and that this obedience first comes from the heart and thus, his praise comes from God.

PLEASE NOTE: Paul does NOT say that a Gentile remains a Gentile! He clearly says that a Gentile who obeys God’s ways is considered a Jew/Israelite – one who lives according to the ways (torah/law) of God! Therefore, the goal was being an Israelite, making those who followed God’s instructions the ideal to which all who come to faith in Y’shua could attain.

Therefore, how can there be a distinction between Jews and Gentiles in Messiah? Scripture proves there is not. We are ALL to walk and live as the Messiah did (1 John 2:6) – according to the instructions of God – according to the torah/law.