Unlimited: The Circumcised and the Uncircumcised
Aug 16, 2022 737
So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker (Rom. 2:26–27.)
Paul here presents a paradox that goes to the heart of righteousness by faith. He emphasises that true circumcision is an internal change in the heart, not an external change in the flesh.
In this sense, Paul says that there are some who deliberately follow the written law and will be condemned. On the other hand, there are those who, to external appearances, may not conform to the written law yet still keep its requirements and will be counted as righteous and counted among God’s people.
They were regarded as though they were circumcised because true circumcision is an internal change in the heart, not an external change in the flesh.
This was the lesson that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. All our “doings” will account for nothing in the end unless we know Jesus. He said,
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matt. 7:21–23.)
Spiritual Application:
In your life, what is the external evidence that you are inwardly right with God? How convincing is it?
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