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A lot of times we talk about people having knowledge about God, but no zeal for him. Here, Paul is attacking just the opposite. He is accusing the Jews of having much zeal for God, but not according to true knowledge.
Paul is analyzing for us the end of the law and the beginning of Christ. This is true knowledge. There are many places in Scripture that speak of this…
That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3
The beauty of true knowledge is that faith unlocks the key to righteousness and we do not have to “work” to obtain it. No longer would Salvation be found in works, or even within an ethnic or national origin. Not only are those inefficient means to produce Salvation, but they are also exclusive to particular individuals. Through Jesus, the Gospel is available to all people who call on the name of the Lord. It is a deep, complex mystery, yet, so basic at the same time.
Sadly, the prophets foretold society’s rejection of God’s plan for Salvation long before Paul. And people still reject it today. This is precisely why it matters how we as Christians live out our faith in this world.