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I. THE NON-ESSENTIAL.

1. No ritualism is of any avail.

(1)  Not even the most ancient.

(2)  Not even the most Divine.

(3)  Not even the most significant.

2. Not that ritualism is to be wholly condemned; but that it is of minor importance.

3. The same applies to the isms of men. Neither Catholicism nor Protestantism, Conformity nor Nonconformity, availeth anything. Christianity is

(1)  independent;

(2)  older;

(3)  greater;

(4)  sublimer than all denominations.

II. THE NECESSARY.

1. Unless a man is a new creation it matters not

(1)  what theology he accepts.

(2)  What ceremonial he observes.

(3)  What church he attends.

2. Every man who is in Christ Jesus is a new creation.

(1)  He has a new life, new loves, aims, hopes, fears.

(2)  He has a new sphere.

(a)  He is no longer materialistic but spiritual.

(b)  Even the material in him is full of spiritual significance.

(c)  He walks after the Spirit.

(d)  His citizenship is in heaven.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)

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KJV: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

WEB: For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.