Circumcision Of The Heart

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. - Philippians 3:3

    Circumcision was the distinguishing mark of the Jewish nation. It was a physical reminder of God’s covenant with Abraham. It had a spiritual meaning as well. It signified purification of the heart, or an inward circumcision effected by the Spirit of the living God. Although Paul was a Jew, he was making reference to the latter. This inward circumcision of the heart has at least three characteristics, which distinguishes the holy nation of God from all others; even the earthly Jewish nation.

    The first we see is that only the true, spiritual circumcision worships the true and living God. All others worship false gods. Only those whom God has given spiritual life in his Son in regeneration worship Him. And they all worship him in spirit and in truth.

    Second, we see that spiritual Israel rejoices in Christ Jesus. The true child of God joys in Christ and salvation in Him—Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Pt 1:8). Worshipping God and rejoicing in Christ Jesus is truly a heart work gendered by the Holy Spirit of God. It is not a ceremonial or physical effort.

    Third, we see that those who worship God in Spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus have no confidence in the flesh. The flesh is the natural man—our self. To have confidence in self as pertaining to salvation in any respect is to have no confidence in Christ. The true circumcision looks to Christ alone, by God given faith in regeneration. We look upon the flesh as vile, deplorable, wretched, and miserable. The flesh is not to be trusted—The heart (the natural man) is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer 17:9). These three characteristics are the undeniable marks of a true child of God. We worship God in Spirit and in truth. We rejoice and have confidence in Jesus Christ alone.