We’ve been exploring Romans 2 and the four points that Paul was making to the religious Jews of his day:

• Knowledge without action is not enough.
• Teaching without lifestyle is not enough.
• Ceremony without heart change is not enough.
• Heritage without obedience is not enough.

Today, we’re looking at Ceremony without heart change is not enough. (Romans 2.25 – 29)

For us, ceremony might include the way we do communion or how our church administers baptism. For the Jews, it was circumcision, and there are three explicit verses on circumcision in which Paul clearly makes the point that ceremony without heart change is not enough. Rather, it’s obedience, faith, and new life in Christ.

For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. (1 Corinthians 7.19, ESV)

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. (Galatians 5.6, ESV)

For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (Galatians 6.15, ESV)