How do we know that salvation is not based on outward deeds?

Paul’s message in Romans 2 emphasizes that outward appearances and rituals are inadequate for salvation. He highlights that true circumcision—being part of God’s covenant people—occurs in the heart through the Spirit, leading to genuine faith and transformation. This means that mere outward compliance with religious practices does not fulfill the law of God. Instead, it is the inner belief and work of God’s Spirit that truly justifies and sanctifies one before God. Therefore, salvation is fundamentally an internal matter as indicated in John 3:14-15, where faith in Christ grants eternal life, rather than reliance on external acts.