SHOWERS

Romans 2:25 – For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.

In Romans chapter two, Paul is discussing the spiritual privileges which the Jews enjoyed because they were God’s chosen nation.  These privileges or benefits included the law, the temple and its sacrifices, the feasts (Passover, feast of unleavened bread, etc), and of course the one privilege most cherished by all Jews – circumcision. 

Circumcision is the topic of the rest of chapter two.  But before we look at Paul’s teaching on this topic, let’s take a step back and look at the larger picture of the church at this time.

Paul is writing to the people in the church.  These are born again believers who have trusted in Christ as their savior.  The Roman church was a mixture of both Jews and Gentiles - two groups who had been adversaries for a very long time.

Because of their nation’s relationship to God under the old covenant, the Jews considered themselves special.  While this was true, the Jews eventually lost sight of the reason for their special status before God (to show his love to the world).  At some point, pride took root in their lives and they began to consider themselves better or of greater value in God’s sight than all of the Gentiles.  In fact, they often referred to Gentiles as dogs (Matthew 15:26-27).  This viewpoint became an integral part of their national identity.

As a result, the Jews considered the Gentiles as ‘outsiders’.  They did not associate with Gentiles, eat with Gentiles or even go into a Gentile house.  In fact, when Peter went into the house of Cornelius the Gentile, it was an astonishing occurrence:

Acts 10:28 – And he [Peter] said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.”

Meanwhile, the Gentiles had mixed feelings about the Jews.  Jews were often viewed with distain and suspicion because of their unusual customs (like circumcision and dietary laws).  Jews were also viewed as haughty or exclusive because of their monotheistic beliefs and their purposeful separation from the other cultures of the world.   

These historical circumstances created a big problem in the early church.  Although the Jews and Gentiles were all technically brothers in Christ, they were not getting along.  They carried their cultural and religious divisions into the church. 

The Gentiles were sick and tired of all the rules and regulations of the Jews.  They didn’t see any reason to fast on the Day of Atonement, or bring lambs to the temple for sacrifice, or to stop eating shellfish.  They bristled at smug holier-than-thou attitude of many of the Jews.    

For their part, the Jews were adamant that the Gentiles should adopt the ‘privileges’ of the old covenant, especially that of circumcision.  They basically felt that Gentiles needed to become Jews before they could really be Christians.  Some Jewish Christian leaders even erroneously taught that circumcision was required for salvation (Acts 15:1)! 

Given this historical situation and the confusion surrounding circumcision, it’s not surprising that Paul chooses to address this topic in the remainder of chapter two. 

Before we go any further, let’s be clear on one important point:  Holy Spirit had made it crystal clear that physical circumcision was NOT required for salvation (Acts 10:44-48, Acts 15:1-29).  In fact, none of the Jewish rites were necessary for salvation.  Righteousness in God’s sight is obtained exclusively through the blood of Christ.

As we read through the book of Romans, we may be tempted to judge the Jews for their inability to instantly give up the ways of the old covenant.  We may scorn their inability to see and embrace the freedom Christ provided under the new covenant.  We may be tempted to condemn them for their haughty treatment of the Gentiles.  But before we do, let’s pause for a minute.

From the very creation of their nation, the Jews were God’s special people.  It was vitally important for them to be separated from all other nations for a number of reasons: 

• They were the only nation in covenant with God; idolatry could not be tolerated. 
• They were the nation who had access to a greater understanding of God through the law. 
• They were the nation who would display God’s love to the world.
• They were the race through which the Messiah would come. 

In order for the Jews to remain a separate nation for hundreds and hundreds of years, it was necessary for them to have a very strong national identity.  This identity kept them together through the time in Egypt, the years of the judges, the rise and fall of both kingdoms, the exile/captivity and their eventual dispersion throughout the world.  It was fully ingrained in the heart and mind of every single Jewish offspring, both male and female.  First and foremost, they were the people of God. 

Therefore, it is not surprising that the Jews of Paul’s day found it difficult to set aside the Jewish rites.  To think that these privileges or rites could become null and void was something they NEVER imagined.  To make the jump from forgiveness through the blood of the Passover lamb to the concept of forgiveness through the blood of Christ was, for them, almost inconceivable.  It must have felt like treason for them to give up their old ways.  To us it seems perfectly reasonable, but to them it was mind blowing. 

There is no doubt that prophetic events are difficult to understand before they unfold.  The Jews had difficulty understanding the implications of the reign of the Messiah.  We will face the same difficulties as prophetic events continue to unfold in our lifetimes.  For this reason, we should not judge them!   

So, we find that the Jews were bringing all of this baggage into the church with them.  In their minds, it made perfect sense to incorporate the old Jewish rites into Christianity.  When the Gentiles pushed back, it created a rift in the church.   

Left unchecked, these differences would have torn the church apart.  If not for the work of Holy Spirit, the final outcome would likely have been two churches – one Gentile and one Jewish.  But that was never God’s plan.  He always intended for Jews and Gentiles to come together into one united body of Christ:

John 10:14, 16 – I [Jesus] am the good shepherd.  I know my own and my own know me, …and I have other sheep that are not of this fold.  I must bring them also and they will listen to my voice.

Isaiah 49:6 - And he [God] said, “It is too small a thing that you [the Messiah] should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation unto the ends of the earth.”

In the remainder of chapter two, Paul will show that the most revered Jewish privilege – circumcision – is just like all of the other Jewish rites.  It is not a goal in and of itself; it is an outward physical sign which points to the inward spiritual truth of the gospel.  Its value was not in the act itself, but in what it represented – a change of heart.   

With this background in mind, let’s take a look at today’s text.   

GENERAL SUMMARY:  The final privilege or benefit Paul specifically mentions in chapter two was that of circumcision.  Physical circumcision was the original token of membership in the Jewish nation.  To be circumcised was proof that you were a descendent of Abraham and one of God’s chosen people. 

However, Paul is about to show that physical circumcision was not a ‘get into heaven free’ card.  It was a token or symbol of the spiritual circumcision of the heart required in the gospel dispensation.   

DIGGING DEEPER:  Circumcision is of value:  Under the old covenant, circumcision definitely had value.  It was proof that a man was a descendant of Abraham and part of the covenant between God and man.  It was required in order to be accepted by God and to enjoy all the other rights and privileges of being in the Jewish nation.  Naturally, the Jews attached great importance to this physical symbol. 

If you obey the law:   Circumcision was required if a person expected to obtain righteousness by the law.  But as we pointed out earlier, this path requires perfection.  You must perfectly follow the law every single day, in every single circumstance which is obviously impossible. 

Galatians 5: 3 – I [Paul] testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obliged to keep the whole law. 

But if you break the law, circumcision becomes uncircumcision:  For those who are unable to perform perfectly (that would be everyone), the law is of no help in justification before God and therefore physical circumcision profits nothing.  Paul correctly concludes that Jews who break the law are on the same spiritual level as any uncircumcised Gentile.  

We might phrase it this way:  Circumcision is of no value in obtaining justification before God, because man can’t be justified by his own works.  He can only be justified by faith (Romans chapter one).  

Think of it this way - It is a benefit/privilege to be born in a Christian nation, to have believing parents and grandparents, to be trained in the practical aspects of Christian life, to attend Sunday school, to be prayed over, and to be dedicated/baptized as a baby.  These things cannot justify us in the sight of God by themselves; they are benefits because they put us in a position where it is easier to understand and embrace salvation.

In the same way, circumcision in and of itself does not produce righteousness before God.  It (like all of the other Jewish privileges) was a benefit designed to make it easier for the Jews to understand that spiritual circumcision of the heart was required in the age of grace. 

Romans 2:26 – So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?

GENERAL SUMARY:  Paul has just declared that if a circumcised person (a Jew) failed to keep the law, he or she would be no different than an uncircumcised person (a Gentile). 

Therefore, the opposite must also be true.  If an uncircumcised person (a Gentile) was obedient to the moral precepts of the law, then he or she would be no different than a circumcised person (a Jew).   

DIGGING DEEPER:  There are basically two different interpretations of this verse.

The first interpretation says that Paul is posing a rhetorical question.  Those who hold to this theory say that Paul’s argument goes something like this:  IF there was a Gentile who fully understood the laws of God and IF he could keep that law perfectly at ALL times, THEN his uncircumcised state would be considered as circumcision.

The question is rhetorical, because the Gentiles are no more capable of fulfilling the letter of the law than the Jews are.   

The second interpretation claims that Paul is speaking literally.  Their basic view can be summed up this way:  Circumcision was given as a token of one who keeps the law; it is merely a sign that points one to the law.  Therefore, circumcision is subordinate or inferior to the law.  In other words, of the two, the law is the important one. 

Think of it this way – if you were starving and you saw a sign that pointed to a free meal, which would be more important – the food itself or the sign that pointed it out?  Obviously, it would be the food!  In the same way, it is more important to keep the law than to be circumcised.  

Those who hold this view point out that there were at least some Gentiles who were outside of the old covenant but nevertheless came to an understanding of what is contained in it (keeping a moral code, doing what is right).  Though these people did not have the seal of the old covenant in their flesh (circumcision), they exemplified the character and walk of the children of Abraham.  Therefore, their uncircumcision was considered circumcision. 

I Corinthians 7:19 – For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.

Case in point, Cornelius the centurion:

Acts 10:1-2 – At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

The bottom line is that acceptance by God does not depend on man’s external privileges but on the state of his heart and life.  Any person, Gentile or Jew, who believes in Christ and trusts in him alone for salvation, will be treated as righteous, regardless of whether he is circumcised in the flesh or not.   All such followers of Christ will then willingly circumcise their hearts, minds and actions to conform to God’s holy laws.

Therefore, the Jews should not be fooled into placing their confidence in the mere outward/physical token of circumcision.  Nor should they despise the Gentiles who are not circumcised in the flesh.

Romans 2:27 – Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law.

Remember, back in verse 17 Paul describes the Jews as people who relied upon their external keeping of the law; they felt secure in sinning against the law because of their spiritual privileges. 

Paul pushed back on that notion.  He clearly states that the actions of any obedient uncircumcised person who keeps the spirit of the law will stand in judgement against the actions of the disobedient circumcised Jew, who enjoyed the benefits of having the written law.  The writer of Hebrews makes this point:

Hebrews 11:7 – By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.  By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Noah was not circumcised, but because he obeyed the spirit of the law by building the ark, he will condemn the world.  Scripture gives us other examples such as the people of Nineveh, and the queen of South (Matthew 12:41-42).

The Jews felt they were qualified to condemn/pass judgment on the Gentiles (Romans 2:1), but in reality, the obedient actions of the believing Gentiles would condemn the Jews.  

Romans 2:28 – For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 

Now Paul comes to the pinnacle of his argument against the Jewish reliance on their privileges under the law.  The very foundation of their boasting was circumcision. 

William Burkitt’s Expository Notes says it this way: “It was the hardest saying that could sound in a Jewish ear, to affirm, that circumcision which is outward in the flesh, profiteth nothing; for they so gloried in it, that they accounted it equal to the keeping of all the commandments of God…”

All of the Jewish rites and customs (even the name ‘Jew’) were designed as outward symbols of separation from the ungodly world.  Their purpose was to display a holy devotion of the heart and life to Jehovah.  For example, circumcision (the cutting off of the foreskin), was symbolic of mortification of the whole fleshly nature.  The point is that none of the outward, physical signs were of any value, unless an inward, invisible, spiritual change took place.  Once that change took place (as in the Christians at Rome), the other outward signs were no longer necessary.

Jeremiah 4:3-4 – For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.  Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts…

See also Jeremiah 9:25-26, Ezekiel 44:6-9.

Romans 2:29 - 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.

A Jew is one inwardly:  A true Jew is not defined by natural descent or by profession or by the external symbol of circumcision.  A true Jew is one who is separated from the world and committed to devout obedience to the holy commands of God.  The true mark of one who is obedient to God is circumcision of the heart and mind which is reflected in the way they live their lives:

• True servants of God have the law of God written on their hearts, not on tablets of stone. 
• True servants of God have internal holiness, not just external righteousness. 
• True servants of God bear their Father’s name in their inward nature, not just in outward titles.
• True servants of God worship God in spirit and in truth, not just in outward motions.   

In Jeremiah 31:33 God declares that his covenant would be firm and permanent only when written upon the inward heart/mind of each Jew.

Philippians 3:3-4 – For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh…

Circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit:  True circumcision is an inward, invisible change that takes place in the heart.  It is a cutting away of the sinful nature and the rejection of everything that is offensive to God.  It is the purification of the heart from all filthy lusts, evil desires and sinful motivations.  It is a separation from the heathen world, and of consecration to the Jehovah, the Holy God.

It is a circumcision that is performed by Holy Spirit, not the hands of men.

His praise is not from man but from God:  The Jews who lived during the time of Christ greatly desired honor from men.  They attempted to obtain it by being scrupulous in the performance of all the duties of religion (Matthew 6:1-6, Luke 18:10-14, Matthew 23). 

Outward performance of religion may indeed win the praise of mankind, but of what value is that?  It is infinitely better to practice inward spiritual obedience and thus gain the approval and praise of God, who will reward each man according to his works on the Day of Judgment.

Let me offer you some encouragement: 

What circumcision, sacrifices, and the temple were to the Jews of old, baptism, communion/the Lord's supper, and public assemblies to the professing Christians of today. 

Circumcision was a sign which pointed to the cutting away of sin and defilement from the heart of each person.  It was of no use to the Jews unless it was accompanied by a true inward change of the heart.

So it is with the rites of today’s church.  For instance, baptism in and of itself does not save you.  Baptism is an outward sign which testifies to the inward change you have experienced by asking Christ to be your Savior.  Being submersed in the water signifies death to your old nature.  Coming up out of the water signifies being born again into new spiritual life. 

You can be baptized every week if you want, but unless an inward change has been made through the power of Holy Spirit, it is a useless empty ritual.

As difficult as it may be, I strongly encourage you to take a look at the religious rites you perform and see if you are truly pleasing God.

For example, is communion simply something you do once a month ‘just because’, or does it have a special meaning for you?  Do you take it as quickly as possible to get the service over with, or do you desire to linger in the presence of God?     

You might want to examine your motives in worship, the Lord’s supper, bible reading, fasting and other religious activities.  Repent for any imperfections you find, and ask Holy Spirit to assist you in doing what pleases and honors the Father.  

Let me offer you some relief:  

The inward change spoken of in today’s post does not happen by accident.  Neither does it happen in our own strength (whew!).  According to Romans 2:29, it happens through the power of Holy Spirit.

We must work hand in hand with him to circumcise our hearts.  When was the last time you felt him calling you to make a change?  If it’s been a while since you heard him speaking to you, or if you haven’t been actively working to circumcise a part of your heart lately, it’s time you sat down and had an encounter with Holy Spirit.  He is standing by right now to lead you in the circumcision of your heart.   

Let me offer you some strength:  

The Jews were misunderstood and often ridiculed by the Gentiles for their unusual customs and religious beliefs.  As Christians, we should not be surprised to be treated the same way. 

Just like the Jews, we too refrain from many of the accepted practices of the world.  We are committed to serving the one true God, Jehovah.  We live by a moral code that is not common in our society.  The differences go on and on. 

But there is no reason to be troubled.  In fact, Jesus tells us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad when unbelievers speak evil about us or persecute us, because he will make sure that we are greatly rewarded in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12).