[aron]

In my understanding, the NT came forth onto a conceptual matrix that held up two classes of people. There were the Jews, who obeyed God's law, and there was everyone else. After thanking and blessing the LORD for His provenance, the psalmist added, "You have done this for no other nation, for they have not known Your laws." (147:20 NIV)

But there was a third class, partly in shadow, partly in light. These were non-Jews who attached themselves to the One True God through the obedience of faith. They were called 'proselytes' (Acts 2:10 [KJV]). You can see them as Jesus' initial followers, like Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch in Acts 6:5.

All that changed when Peter visited Cornelius. The Holy Spirit came on Cornelius' house, as it had on the 120 in the upper room at Pentecost. Those leaders who heard of this gift to the gentiles acknowledged the singular reality it represented: repentance unto eternal life (Acts 11:16-18). Why then, lay additional burdens on the believers? If you lay something beyond what God has done, you are fighting against God.

All of this is set in high relief by the law of Christ, the royal law, to love one another. Believe that God has raised Jesus from the dead, and given him glory, and confess this faith, and endure in the confession, and love one another. Then, there are no associate members, no second class citizens dwelling in the shadows. We are all the same, and we are all one.