The marks of redeemed people: (2:25-29):
For the Jews, the circumcision has made them to enter into the Covenant of God. The circumcision had great beginning with Abraham the father of the Jewish nation (Gen.17:1ff). It is a blessing to belong to the congregation of God and wear the marks of Covenant, provided one fulfils the terms and conditions of the Covenant. It has value if one follows the law and fulfils to 100%. It was a tragedy that Jews depended more on the physical mark instead of the spiritual life. To the law breaker, the circumcision becomes just a foreskin. In other words a Jewish lawbreaker is just like a Gentile lawbreaker. The Jews’ rite of circumcision counts for nothing. A true Jew is one who has had an inward spiritual experience in the heart, and not merely an outward physical operation. Yes God judges the secrets of heart, He is not impressed with mere outward activities. A Jew who has only follows only outward rites and activities, is not a Jew at all. Now-a-days, the churches are filled with such people who have outward religious activities in their lives, but not the real Spiritual salvation. With their outward activities, they take Baptism, Lord ’s Supper etc. But their lives would reveal when suddenly a calamity touches them.
The converse is true. In other words, for a Gentile, if he guards his life, obeys what the Law requires, even though he does not know the Law (Rom.2:14) is in God’s sight similar to a circumcised Jew. The Law judges a Jew who, despite having the written code and circumcision is a law-breaker. This thought would be revolutionary for Jews who considered themselves far superior to Gentiles because they call the Gentiles as “uncircumcised dogs.” At the end of the chapter, Paul gives a conclusion that being a true or genuine Jew is not a matter of outward or external thing. Genuine circumcision is an inward circumcision of the heart by the Holy Spirit. The Jews followed only the rules and regulations and miserably failed too. Following the Law is not just following the rites and activities, but a conversion of heart by faith. The end of the Law is the true submission, obedience and faith in Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, but the Jews failed and rejected Him deliberately. A circumcised heart is one that is separated from the world and dedicated to God. The true Jew receives his praise not from men (as did the Pharisees) but from God, who sees our inward life and discerns our hearts. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb.4:12-13).
A few questions to answer before we move to next chapter:
- What is my attitude toward sinners? Do I tend to condemn? (2:1)
- How well do I realize and appreciate God’s mercy toward me? (2:4)
- Does my conscience ever defend me? (2:15)
- What does the Gospel speak of judgement? (2:16)
- How does sin dishonours God and what should be my attitude be toward sin? (2:23)
- What does it mean to have a Spiritually-circumcised heart? (2:29)