The original readers of the letter to the Romans were both Jews and Greeks who had come to faith in Jesus Christ. Many of the Jews across the region still clung to the idea that the Law of God and the rite of circumcision passed down from their forefathers put them on a higher plane with God than the pagans who shared their Christian faith. They depended on religious rituals and outward signs to make them right before God, but Paul made it clear it is faith alone that makes you righteous in God’s eyes. Whoever you are, it is always faith alone through grace alone in Christ alone.
And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from man. – Romans 2:29 NLT
Religious rituals are meaningless on their own.
God instituted circumcision as an outward sign of obedience that would set His people apart from the rest of the world. Just like all religious rituals (baptism, confirmation, church attendance, etc.), circumcision has no value in and of itself. Outward signs only have meaning if they reflect an inward transformation.
Many people today cling to their family upbringing or to religious rituals they faithfully observe. But ultimately, without a change of heart that seeks to please God alone, all these things are meaningless.
Don’t fall for it.
Christian ordinances instituted by Christ are valuable reminders of what our faith means, but don’t let anyone convince you that by doing these things you gain God’s approval. The truth is, no number of religious rituals will accomplish your salvation. The Bible makes it clear that only by trusting in what Jesus accomplished on the cross can you be made right in God’s eyes.
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. – Romans 3:22 NLT
