“For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh” – Philippians 3:3 (NIV)
In the Old Testament, circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-11). It symbolised separation from other nations and served as a reminder of God’s promises and Abraham’s faith. For generations, Jewish males underwent circumcision to uphold this covenant and signify their belonging to God’s chosen people.
However, in Philippians 3:3, the Apostle Paul redefines circumcision, revealing its deeper spiritual significance. He explains that true circumcision transcends the physical act practised under the old covenant and represents an inward transformation of the heart and spirit. True circumcision, which is the cutting away of our sinful nature and severing the flesh’s rule over us, was not performed by human hands but by Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:11). It is a divine act, not merely a human ritual.
Through faith in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles become part of God’s family. Physical circumcision no longer separates or defines God’s people (Galatians 3:26-29). What matters is the circumcision of the heart by God’s Spirit (Romans 2:28-29), the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2), and the burial of our old sinful nature with Christ (Romans 6:6). True circumcision is characterised by serving God through His Spirit, boasting in Christ Jesus, and putting no confidence in the flesh, as our anchor scripture rightly explains. Serving God by His Spirit means living in obedience to God’s will, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14).
Boasting in Christ Jesus reflects the believer’s confidence in Christ’s work on the cross, rather than in personal achievements or religious heritage (Galatians 6:14). Putting no confidence in the flesh recognises human inadequacy and the futility of relying on our strength or works. We depend entirely on God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Essentially, those who embody these characteristics are of the true circumcision, for they have undergone a profound spiritual transformation. Our old sinful nature has been buried with Christ, and through His resurrection, we now live according to the Spirit, free from the power of sin.True circumcision, then, is about transformation by the Spirit. It is a life lived in submission to God, fully dependent on Christ’s righteousness rather than our works.
This spiritual circumcision marks us as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), set apart for God’s purposes and empowered to live in a way that honours Him. Circumcision is not about outward appearances or rituals but a life transformed by His grace and a heart fully surrendered to God.Dear Believer, you are the circumcision, because you serve God by His Spirit, boast in Jesus Christ and put no confidence in the flesh or your works.
Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 3