Recently, I have been doing a study of Romans, taking an entire week for each chapter. It has really helped me to slow down and meditate upon what I am reading. In coming to chapter two, I was really struck by the phrase “circumcision of the heart”.
There are things in which we do not hear preached on a regular basis any longer. Things which, when I was a new believer, heard many times over. It grieves my heart that within a single generation, these admonishments have been all but lost. In this consideration, I felt the Holy Spirit saying to my heart, “then why don’t you say something?”. Somewhat of a gentle rebuke, I am sure. Therefore, here are my thoughts and convictions on this subject of having a circumcised heart.
“For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” Romans 2:28-29
I believe that circumcision of the heart is holiness of heart. It is the “cutting off” of sins and living a pure life of deep devotion to God. It is a sign of separation from the world and consecration to a holy God. It is having a life where NOTHING is offensive to God. Can we say that? Do we even consider that at all?
I have heard more teaching lately that declares “we are all just broken people” and the implication of that has been that we should expect to sin and so we should not be so hard on ourselves. Brother! Sister! Do we not see the error in this? The One who calls us to pick up our crosses and follow Him in ways that are adversarial to this world’s system does not encourage such things! The way into which we are called is a narrow way. FEW there be that walk on it, much less find it. If that is so, then why should we think we can live mediocre lives?
The act of physical circumcision should reflect the act of spiritual circumcision. There is a definite and painful experience of something being removed. In our lives, that should clearly show a definite cutting off of sin and a unmuddied separation from the world. It is sure to bring some sort of discomfort to us when we decidedly cut off – break off – separate from – things that we have once held dear, but now understand the offense it brings to our Lord.
There should be no blurred lines between a Christian and the world. If it is offensive to God, it should be offensive to us. These “pet sins” must be placed on the altar and we must sacrifice our pleasures to take up His holiness. All too often, we think we can ride the proverbial fence in our obedience to God, even while our own hearts are condemning us. However, a true believer – a true follower of Christ – will have an inward change of heart that produces an outward obedience of faith. Let me be as clear as possible, this inward change of heart does not mean you make an adjustment to be moral. There are loads of unbelievers who are morally good. That does not make a Christian. Jesus said,
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – John 14:15
According to several research councils, many of those who call themselves believers don’t even read the Bible. Friends! How are we to know what He requires of us if we do not even know His Words? That plainly reveals we do not love the One we claim to follow and serve.
It is truly alarming to hear people, who claim to be Christians, justifying how they live based on a false idea of God’s requirements. If our only knowledge of God is coming from so-called ministries that lean heavily toward new age mysticism or to frilly songs played over the radio that lulls us into believing false ideas of God’s grace, then friend, it is not Yahweh God you are serving, but a deaf/mute/powerless idol.
Romans 3:28-31 states very clearly that we uphold the law, through faith in Jesus. That means that all the righteous requirements that God commanded to be upheld in the Old Testament (Yes, He is the same God then AND now) that could never be fully kept by mere works (that is through the weakness of our flesh), can now be upheld through and by faith in the redeeming work of Christ, on our behalf.
Friends, God’s standards have not changed. He calls us to lives of holiness. We are to be consecrated to Him. We are to be sacred to Him. God has never had any other standard for man other than perfect holiness (Lev. 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Jesus even challenged us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).
“It is folly to think that being imperfect somehow provides us with a legitimate excuse to exempt us from God’s perfect standard.” ~ John MacArthur
“Stretch towards the highest conceivable standard, and be not satisfied till you reach it.” ~ C.H. Spurgeon
The standard remains the same whether we stand or fall; sink or swim. God is holy and calls us to be as He is. Consecrate yourselves to Him this day. Devote your hearts wholly to the One who is deserving of all we have and all we are – for you are not your own; you belong to God.
Holly Sands lives in South Carolina at the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with her loving husband, Shane, and idiot cat, Mister Bojangles. She has been blessed to travel both nationally and internationally with her husband, sharing the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Holly is co-host of the weekly podcast, “That They May All Be One“. New episodes can be heard every Tuesday on your favorite podcast app.