For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. – Philippians 3:3
Circumcision and the New Covenant
As Christians, we find ourselves living under a new covenant that Jesus established through His death and resurrection. This new covenant emphasizes faith in Christ rather than adherence to the laws of the Old Testament. Circumcision, which was a critical part of the Jewish law, takes on a different significance for us. It represents a deeper spiritual truth: the cutting away of sin and impurity from our hearts. In this new understanding, we recognize that our relationship with God is not defined by physical rituals but by a heart transformed by His grace. Therefore, we are called to focus on our inner spiritual life, embracing the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Romans 2:28-29
For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 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 2:28-29
Galatians 5:2-3
Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. – Galatians 5:2-3
Colossians 2:11-12
In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. – Colossians 2:11-12
Hebrews 8:6
But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. – Hebrews 8:6
John 7:22-23
Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man’s whole body well? – John 7:22-23
Unity in Christ Beyond Circumcision
One of the most beautiful truths in the New Testament is the unity we have in Christ, regardless of our background. Circumcision was a topic of contention in the early church, with some insisting that it was necessary for salvation. However, Paul and other apostles made it clear that faith in Jesus is what truly matters. This unity transcends outward physical distinctions and makes us one body in Christ. As we gather as a community of believers, we are called to embrace and support one another in our journey of faith. We rejoice in the inclusion of all people, recognizing that in Christ, there is no division between Jew and Gentile. Together, we form the body of Christ, celebrating our diversity while sharing a united purpose.
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:28
Ephesians 2:14
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. – Ephesians 2:14
Colossians 3:11
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. – Colossians 3:11
Acts 15:19-20
Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. – Acts 15:19-20
Romans 10:12
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. – Romans 10:12
Spiritual Circumcision
In the New Testament, the concept of circumcision is transformed into a spiritual practice. Instead of focusing solely on the physical act, we are encouraged to think about the circumcision of our hearts. This is a call to discard our old ways, our sinful nature, and to allow God’s Spirit to work within us, renewing our hearts and minds. We remind ourselves that true circumcision happens when we let go of the things that separate us from God, submitting ourselves entirely to His will. This involves choosing righteousness over sin, love over hatred, and unity over division. As we pursue this spiritual transformation, we experience a closer relationship with God and a greater capacity to serve one another.
Romans 6:4
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. – Romans 6:4
Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. – Philippians 3:3
Ephesians 4:22-24
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:22-24
Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds. – Jeremiah 4:4
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Freedom from the Law
In the New Testament, Christ liberates us from the stringent demands of the law, including the physical act of circumcision. Our faith in Jesus means we can rest in His completed work and receive grace freely. We rejoice knowing that we are no longer bound by rules and regulations that were impossible to fulfill. Instead, we are called to live in the freedom of the Spirit, discovering what it means to be genuinely loved and accepted by God. By stepping away from the pressures of the law, we can embrace His grace and reflect His love in our lives. This freedom allows us to grow, learn, and serve others with a joyful heart.
Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1
Romans 6:14
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. – Romans 6:14
Colossians 2:16-17
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. – Colossians 2:16-17
1 Corinthians 9:20-21
To the Jews, I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law, I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. – 1 Corinthians 9:20-21
Acts 15:10-11
Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will. – Acts 15:10-11
Spiritual Growth and Maturity
The New Testament invites us into a path of spiritual growth, calling us to maturity in our faith. Circumcision, with its emphasis on old practices, opens the door for deeper learning and growth in Christ. We recognize the importance of laying aside childish ways, allowing God to lead us along a journey of increasing faith. As we grow, we learn more about what it means to reflect Christ in our lives and to help those around us. Through our relationship with Him, we are compelled to bear fruit that reflects His character and love for humanity. So let’s embrace this journey together, supporting and encouraging one another as we pursue what it means to be fully alive in Christ.
Ephesians 4:15
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. – Ephesians 4:15
Hebrews 5:12-14
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. – Hebrews 5:12-14
Colossians 1:10
So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. – Colossians 1:10
Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6
2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:18
The Call to Obedience
While we understand that physical circumcision is no longer a requirement for salvation, the New Testament encourages us to live obedient lives. This obedience stems from love rather than obligation. As we align ourselves with God’s will, our actions and choices reveal our commitment to His teachings. Worn sacrificially, we respond to God’s grace by living out the principles of love, kindness, and humility. We are called not just to believe, but to reflect that belief through our daily lives. As we strive for genuine obedience, we experience a deeper connection with God and a clearer understanding of His desires for us.
1 John 2:3-5
And by this, we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this, we may know that we are in him. – 1 John 2:3-5
James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – James 1:22
Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:1-2
Galatians 5:13-14
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:13-14
Matthew 7:24-25
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. – Matthew 7:24-25
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the significance of circumcision in the New Testament, we discover that it serves a dual purpose. It is not merely about a physical act but rather a transformative experience of the heart. We are reminded that our relationship with Christ is what truly matters. The verses teach us that we have moved beyond the ritual and embraced a new covenant characterized by love, unity, and spiritual growth. One of the most beautiful aspects of this journey is knowing we are all united in Christ, regardless of our backgrounds. This encourages us to support and uplift one another as we continue to grow in maturity.
In our freedom under the new covenant, let us remain obedient to God’s teachings, expressing our love through our actions. The call to spiritual circumcision is a reminder to constantly seek a deeper relationship with God and to allow His Spirit to transform us from the inside out. We can move forward, filled with hope and the assurance that we are new creations in Christ, capable of living out His purpose in our lives. Together, let’s nurture this bond, uphold each other in prayer, and shine His light in everything we do.
For those interested in exploring more topics in the Bible, I encourage you to check out these related articles on Jews and Gentiles and justice and righteousness for further growth in understanding our faith.