Romans 2:25-29

For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his 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 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 2:25-29 ESV

It seems that, after bluntly stating that the name of God was blasphemed because of the Jewish leaders, Paul expects them to bring up the fact that they are in a covenant w God because of their circumcision, as passed down to them from Abraham. So, Paul addresses this issue, which is a major stumbling block for these Jews.

In Paul's day, especially with his audience, this passage was extremely important. We no longer hold to these specific beliefs (circumcision being a part of being in a covenant with God) because of everything that was fulfilled through Christ. However, the main points that Paul makes are doctrinal truths, that cannot be ignored.

Circumcision was required of the people of Abraham by God in Genesis 17:11:
You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.
The covenant that was made is laid out in the verses leading up to verse 11 in Genesis, and circumcision was an act of obedience that served as a reminder of this covenant.



For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.

The Jews thought that the outward act of circumcision was of value, but Paul states that circumcision is a part of the law, and is only of value if every other part of the law is satisfied. In other words, the only way we could rely on the law for salvation is if, in some way, we could satisfy every part of the law. Paul then says that if we, or the Jews, break even one part of the law, then any part that we were able to keep is of no avail.

I thought this quote I read by a commentator on this verse summed up quite well how foolish it is to attempt to gain God's acceptance through keeping the law:

"for it always happens, that those who dare to set up their own merits against the righteousness of God, glory more in outward observances than in real goodness; for no one, who is seriously touched and moved by the fear of God, will ever dare to raise up his eyes to heaven, since the more he strives after true righteousness, the clearer he sees how far he is from it"

So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his 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.

The focus here shifts to the Gentiles (anyone who is not of Jewish descent) who are true believers. True believers, Jews or Gentiles, who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who cling to His shed blood alone, are completely forgiven and credited with His holy and perfect righteousness - all of this apart from any reliance on the law. Jesus fulfilled every part of the law perfectly, on our behalf!

This truth condemns all people, from the Jewish leaders of Paul's day putting their faith in circumcision to any person today that puts their faith in any action rather than Jesus Christ.

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. 

Salvation is a "matter of the heart" which is changed from stone to flesh by the grace of God, not by obedience to the law on our part. Paul reveals in 2 Corinthians 3:6 what the law (the letter) does:

For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The entire purpose of the law is to reveal that we can never measure up to the righteousness of God, and as a result should drive us to cling to the blood of Christ. Yet, the Jewish leaders Paul was addressing attempted to cling to, and rely on, outward things such as the law without addressing the sad inner situation of their heart. Jesus had some harsh words for them:  

And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. Luke 11:39

We can equate the circumcision of the Jews in Paul's day to our baptism as Christians today. Circumcision was, and baptism is (when viewed correctly) an outward act of obedience (signifying the cutting away of, or cleansing of sin). This obedience is produced by a heart that has been regenerated, and now desires to glorify God. Neither act can cause salvation to take place - just like the Jews then, anyone today could "proclaim" to be saved and be baptized, yet without saving faith still be lost and condemned.



His praise is not from man but from God.

Speaking of the true believer, the praise sought after is from God.

Whenever man attempts to gain acceptance from God through actions, the focus automatically shifts from what God has done to what man can do.

As Christians, seeking to glorify God in all that we do, it is our responsibility to ensure that we do not hold to or encourage the false belief that any action, including baptism, gains us acceptance from God. It is easy to fall into this trap, as humans we are geared to think that by doing this I get something in return - it's how our society works. However, this is not how God's plan of salvation works - and when we are in constant prayer, seeking God's guidance in His Word, He will faithfully keep us in the right perspective.

These are tough verses, they go against the grain of the natural human mind, so I look forward to and encourage any shared wisdom that could shed further light on this doctrinal truth that the law is death and the Spirit is life!