<p>6:16 <i>And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them</i><i>- </i>See on :15. The fact we are new creations, that we are Christ, should be the <i>rule </i>by which we live. The reality that we are new beings means that we have to learn how to live all over again. The same word is used in Phil. 3:16: &quot;Let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing&quot;; and Paul's great theme in Philippians is that we should take on the mind of Christ. The &quot;same thing&quot; we should &quot;mind&quot; is the mind of Christ. The rule of Christian life therefore is to be Christ, to have His mind. Christ-mindedness is therefore the rule of life in Him. To have His Spirit, which is freely given to those who believe (4:5) is therefore utterly central and critical to the Christian life.</p><p><i>And upon the Israel of God</i>- Paul clearly saw natural Israel as not &quot;of God&quot;.</p>