Jew Inwardly – Circumcised in the Heart
What does it mean in Romans 2:28 (he is a Jew who is one inwardly) and Philippians 3:3 (we are the circumcision)?
Verses:
“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.
But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.” – apostle Paul (Romans 2:28 – 29, NASB)
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” – apostle Paul (Philippians 3:1 – 3, NASB)
Explanation:
The true circumcision is in the heart by His Spirit into which we are grafted as “Abraham’s descendants as co heirs in Christ” (Galatians 3:26 – 29) regarding “spiritual things” (Romans 15:27).
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” – apostle Paul (Galatians 3:26 – 29, NASB)
“Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.” – apostle Paul (Romans 15:27, NASB)
Please note the phrase “spiritual things” in Romans 15:27 to understand that the inward circumcision of the heart and we being co heirs in Christ through Abrahamic blessings refers to “spiritual things”. Regarding material things, it’s either way as even the saints in Jerusalem were poor and still called saints (e. g. Romans 15:26). Thus, both rich and poor saints are acceptable to Christ and there is no mandatory blessing for wealth promised in “material things”.
“For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.” – apostle Paul (Romans 15:26, NASB)
A mandatory blessing for rich vs poor believer or a Jew vs Gentile believer is the “spiritual blessings” via “spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 12) as well as the “fruits of the Spirit too” (Galatians 5:22 – 23).
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.
But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” – apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 12:1, 4 – 5, 31, 1 Corinthians 13:1 – 3, NASB)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – apostle Paul (Galatians 5:22 – 23, NASB)
So, the true circumcision is inward in the heart regarding spiritual things into which we are equal (no distinction between Jew and Gentile), for example in regards to Salvation and gifts of His Spirit.
The distinction that exists “physically” are toward the ‘physical Law’ which pertains to this life on earth too obeying which we get rewards in the heavens as well (e. g. Matthew 5:19, 1 Corinthians 14:37, 1 Corinthians 11:1 – 2 with regards to the Law and Prophets with distinctions between Jewish vs Gentile believers, e. g. Acts 21:24 – 25 mentioned in detail in write ups prior). So, Gentile believers must not be part of the Jewish observances which is not commanded of them, for example: Circumcision (Galatians 5:2 – 3). More Details:
https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/sabbath-and-pork-dilemma-for-gentile-believers/
Thank you for reading, peace to you
