Spirit, Law and Circumcision

Circumcision is the external representation of the Jews’ covenant with God, but its true meaning is an internal one. It is a matter of the heart. Physical circumcision sets a person apart outwardly as a Jew, but it does not create a person’s connection with God. To truly be a Jew, one must be so inwardly, one must have a good heart. When a person loves God fully and has full belief in God, this is a “circumcision of the heart.” 

In Romans 2:25-29 “circumcision of the heart” refers to having a pure heart and it is far more important than the physical circumcision:

“For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the laws, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.  So, if those who are uncircumcised keep the requirements of the law, will not their uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision external and physical.  Rather a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart-it is spirit and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God.”

In this quote from Romans Paul explains that a circumcised body and a sinful heart are at odds with each other.  When a person follows the letter of the law but not the spirit of the law, he is focusing only on external rites and symbols. This is not enough to bring you close to God. 

In both Romans and Galatians there is a large distinction drawn between flesh and spirit. In Galatians, the spirit answers the question of what makes a good person what he is. Galatians and Romans answers the question of which commandments are the most important – the commandments of ‘loving God with all thy heart’ and ‘loving thy neighbor as thyself’.

Circumcision of the heart refers to full belief in God. Romans uses the idea to speak the words of God and believe them within yourself. Following the letter of the law is the bare minimum of being a good citizen. “…real circumcision is a matter of the heart-it is spiritual and not literal.” (Romans, 3:2). Romans offers the idea of ‘circumcision of the heart’ as a representation of faith, and this act refers to one’s covenant with God.

Circumcision is a metaphor for loving God both externally and internally.  Physical circumcision and following only the letter of God’s laws is not enough to make a person right with God. God wants more from his people than mere rule followers. External compliance with His laws and practicing religious rites is not enough. To be a true believer a person’s heart must change so that he can follow the spirit of God’s laws. True circumcision is a matter of the heart.