June 15 2026

Monday June 15

“The Credentials of Religion”

Philippians 3:5

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today we continue our study of Philippians 3 as the Apostle Paul begins listing the religious credentials that once gave him confidence before God. In the previous verse 4, Paul wrote, "Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so." Now Paul begins, in verse 5, presenting his spiritual résumé. If anyone could have claimed acceptance with God based on heritage, religious privilege, and human achievement, it was Saul of Tarsus. Listen to the first part of verse 5: "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews."

Each of these statements would have been highly valued by the Judaizers of his day. They believed that these things gave a person standing before God. Paul is about to show that they do not. First, Paul says he was "circumcised the eighth day." This means that Paul was not a convert to Judaism later in life. He was born into a faithful Jewish family that obeyed the Law of Moses. According to Genesis 17 and Leviticus 12:3, Jewish male children were to be circumcised on the eighth day.

Paul is saying that from the very beginning he had every religious advantage. He did not come from a pagan background. He did not enter Judaism as an adult. He was raised according to the covenant traditions of Israel from infancy. Yet notice something very important. Even though Paul had experienced the proper religious ceremony at the proper time, he still needed to be saved.

That is a powerful lesson for us today. Many people trust in a ceremony. Some trust in infant baptism. Some trust in confirmation. Some trust in church membership. Others even trust in a profession of faith they made years ago. While these things may have their place, none of them can save us. A ceremony can identify us with a faith community, but only Jesus Christ can save the soul. Paul had the right ceremony, but he still needed a Savior.

Secondly, Paul said he was "of the stock of Israel." This means he belonged to God's chosen nation, Israel. He was not a Gentile proselyte. He was a direct descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Jews treasured their national identity. They knew God had chosen Israel and given them His covenants, His Law, and His promises. Romans 9:4-5 lists many of these privileges. Yet Paul learned that being born into the right family could not save him.

You may have heard people say—and I certainly have—"My parents were Christians," or "My grandfather was a pastor," or "I was raised in church." Those are wonderful blessings. But no one enters heaven on the faith of parents or grandparents. God has no grandchildren. Each person must personally accept Jesus Christ as they repent of their sins and believe that He died on the cross for them.

Third, Paul said he was "of the tribe of Benjamin." This was one of the most honored tribes in Israel. Benjamin was the tribe that remained loyal to the house of David when the kingdom divided. Jerusalem was located on the border of Benjamin's territory. Israel's first king, Saul, came from the tribe of Benjamin. Many Bible scholars even believe that Paul may have been named Saul because of that connection. The tribe of Benjamin carried a certain prestige among Jewish people. Again, Paul is showing that he possessed every advantage imaginable.

Finally, Paul said he was "a Hebrew of the Hebrews." This means that Paul had maintained the Hebrew culture, language, and traditions. Many of the Jews throughout the Roman Empire had adopted Greek customs and language. But Paul's family had remained deeply committed to their Jewish identity. If there had been a contest for the most authentic Jew, Paul would have been near the top of the list.

So what is Paul's point? All these things were good things. They were privileges and blessings from God, but they could never save him. Religion says, "Look at my family." Religion says, "Look at my heritage." Religion says, "Look at my traditions." Religion says, "Look at my credentials." The Gospel says, "Look at Jesus." Paul is building his case carefully. He is showing that if anyone could have earned favor with God through religious credentials and advantages, it was him. Yet in the verses ahead, he will tell us that he counted all these things as loss for Jesus Christ. This is true today as well. You may have been raised in church. You may know your Bible. You may have Christian parents. You may even have served in ministry as a pastor for many years.

But I am telling you, my friend, as wonderful as these blessings are, our confidence must never be in these things. Our confidence must be in Jesus Christ alone. I will never forget reading where Billy Graham said, "The greatest mission field in the world is in the pews of American churches." In other words, many people think that because they are sitting in church on Sunday morning, they are Christians and on their way to heaven.

Today, I need to ask you a question: Are you trusting in your spiritual heritage, or are you trusting in Jesus Christ? The true believer rejoices in Christ Jesus and has no confidence in the flesh.

Let’s pray. Father, thank You for the privileges You give us through godly families, faithful churches, and spiritual instruction. Help us never to place our confidence in those blessings rather than in Jesus Christ Himself. Thank You that salvation is not based on our heritage or our achievements, but upon the finished work of Jesus Christ. May our trust today be in Him alone. We pray this in His precious name. Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!