Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Galatians 6:13-15
So often man seeks to glory in the work that he has done. It is natural to our flesh and makes sense in this world. Some great thing may be accomplished. If we were involved somehow, we tend to take credit, even if it is in our own minds. The problem is when we do this in the Kingdom. There is no place for it in Christ.
I guess it’s good to know that men still thought about their es two thousand years ago. Paul dealt with those Jews who attempted to place the tradition of circumcision upon Christians. Circumcision was a physical sign of sanctification under the Old Covenant, to be set apart. So this was just another example of people trying to bring the Old Covenant into the New, which Paul fought in several of his letters to the Church.
But these “mutilators of the flesh”, as Paul called them, could not keep the Law. So circumcision is worthless. What can help us be righteous, sanctified people?
The new creation. Circumcision only snips away a little skin. A new creation changes the very nature of the being, from to life. Therefore, the only thing that matters is the new creation.
Furthermore, this work was done by Christ alone at the cross. The cross offers redemption through the and life through the resurrection. Only that which is born of the cross is of the new creation that will endure for eternity. And since only that which has been dealt with by the cross will survive, how shall we glory in any work of man?
Only one message of praise should pass our lips. Christ and the work of the cross. Nothing else will endure, so let us not glory in anything of our flesh.
God forbid.
Peace.