Physical circumcision (in which many Jews trusted) has value only if the person who has been
circumcised keeps
the Law (Romans
•
Paul shows that the mere external rite of circumcision will not exempt the Jews from condemnation.
•
Circumcision only has value only if those who are circumcised obey the Law which the Jews had failed to do.
•
On the other hand, if a Gentile should keep the law, his lack of physical circumcision would not prevent him from reaping the blessings which the Law promises
to those who obey its demands.
•
Note: It is the inward spiritual state of a man that counts before God, not his outward physical
connection,
nor his outward
religious profession.
–
1 Samuel 16:7 - Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD
looks at the heart."
•
Question: What about the value of water baptism?
Can it save a person whose heart is not
right? Does the lack of baptism prevent a person from being saved, if he has true faith?