For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. ²⁶ So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? ²⁷ Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. ²⁸ For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. ²⁹ But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Romans 2:25-29

Circumcision was a ritual that Jews performed for every male. This ritual was a symbol of their called outness to God. The Lord set them apart as different and many of the way’s that they looked and behaved differently from the rest of the world were the physical representation of their differentness. God called them to be His people and they operated according to ritual and law that He gave.

In keeping with our focus on obedience bringing God glory – I want to pinpoint something about this passage. The Bible often called the law, a light.

Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching (the law) a light,
    and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life…

This passage of scripture in Romans is showing us how those who have the law (the Jews) and those who keep the law (even if non-Jewish) are regarded as those who have been circumcised. As those who have the law (those who live according to the light that they do have.) but Paul further breaks this down to show how circumcision doesn’t matter at all if your heart is not changed. Having the ritual is not the same as having the reality of Christ within!

Listen, no outward ritual, no matter how good it is can be sufficient enough to bring us to heaven. We must have Jesus! He alone makes the heart acceptable to God.

When Jesus, the light of the world came to earth, He became the only thing we needed. We humans will jump hoops to look good on the outside and be most miserable in it. We judge by outward appearance. But God judges the heart. (1 Sam 16) We often think that those who look good, who have their life together and in order, who do this and that right, who check off box a,b, and c, are seen as those who are the righteous. Some of the most well liked and well put together people have also been serial killers. (just saying…lol) God knows the heart. Have you given Him your heart?

God is not deceived by our well painted lives. He sees the reality and the need of our souls. We need Jesus! …circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. To put this in words for us Christians, it is not our baptism that saves us but baptism, like circumcision, is simply a picture of the work God is doing. In Christ, this work is on the inside, in the heart, by the Spirit of God. All praise and glory to God! He has done it!

Thanks for Listening,

Starla