City Life Starter

I. The Word: Romans 2:28-29

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

II. Study Questions

1. What is Paul’s take on salvation?

2. What is Paul’s qualifications as a theologian to the Jews?

3. What or Who can transform our hearts?

When Paul wrote to the Romans, scholars believe that the worldview of Jewish descendants assurance was in circumcision that guaranteed salvation. For Christians, we believe that salvation is through faith in Christ alone, while the Jewish assurance was heavily dependent upon the ritual of circumcision (works).  Paul’s take on salvation is not based on ritual nor tradition, but points to inter-conversion of the heart.  Perhaps, if there was anyone who was able to clarify the assurance of salvation it was Paul, who was not only a descendent of the Israelites, from the tribe of Benjamin, who also studied under the finest rabbinical school of that time under Gamaliel, before his encounter of the Light on the Damascus Road.

Commentary

Paul beings with referencing to the previous of verse (v. 25-27), when he opens with “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly.”  What Paul is attempting for his readers to comprehend (toward Jews) is that the circumcision without observing the law is a pointless act that is based on man pleasing.  The circumcision was a clear sign of the covenant between God and Israel, but it does not guarantee salvation, for Jews were required to observe the laws given to Moses.

He continues with the notion that circumcision is that of the heart, done by the Spirit of God.  Here we find true salvation, God is the true heart surgeon, One who can grant each and everyone of us a new heart, a clean heart, a heart that observe God’s Word not due to fear or religious duty, but of obedience and love to God.  The result of the transformed heart looks to please God and be obedient to His Word.  Those who have been touched by the Spirit of God can attest to this, that an individual no longer lives to please self, but completely surrenders to the will of God.  You no longer belong to yourself, but to God who saved you and granted you a new life, a life that is completely dedicated unto Him.  JY