Circumcision - What does the Bible say? How should Christians view circumcision?

Quick answer

Circumcision was God’s ancient covenant sign with Abraham’s descendants, but true “circumcision” is always a matter of the heart, reflecting a transformed life empowered by the Spirit rather than an outward act.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible shows that circumcision was a sign of the covenant God made with Abraham and, later, the Jews. Circumcision was an outward sign that the circumcised were God’s people. But the Old Testament also discusses the metaphorical circumcision of the heart , which is the type emphasized in the New Testament. Acts 15 indicates that the Council of Jerusalem clarified for believers that circumcision is not a requirement for salvation. Christ’s work on the cross is all we need to be saved; we can’t add to that with any outward signs. Although Paul circumcised Timothy, he did so because he was afraid Timothy’s witness wouldn't be effective with the Jews, who would view him as a Gentile because of his Greek father. Today, many Jews still practice circumcision, but for Christians, it is not a requirement.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Genesis 17 records God's covenant with Abraham (formerly Abram). God instituted circumcision as a significant marker of His covenant promises (vv. 10-14).
Interestingly, God also spoke of the circumcision of heart in the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 30:6, for example, says "And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live."

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

The New Testament teaches that neither circumcision nor any other works are necessary to be saved. Acts 15 records the Council of Jerusalem rescinding the requirement for circumcision. Paul confirms this teaching multiple times in later letters (see 1 Corinthians 7:17-20; Galatians 2:1-3; 5:1-11; 6:11-16; Colossians 2:8-12; Philippians 3:1-3).
Paul circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3) not for Timothy’s salvation, but to avoid any hindrance Timothy's lack of circumcision may have been to those to whom he was witnessing.
Many New Testament references to circumcision have to do with being circumcised in heart (Romans 2:28-29; Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:9-12). The covenant has been fulfilled in Christ, and circumcision now refers to a spiritual rather than to a physical marker.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

“It’s the thought that counts.” Putting that saying into practice is good advice to those shopping for a gift. A husband can send generic roses and chocolates to his wife if he wants to cross that task off his checklist with one phone call . . . or he can look for something else when he recalls that she gets migraine from smelling roses and is on a diet.

The thought counts in our relationship with God, too. God’s covenant with the Jews was marked with the sign of circumcision and carried out with works. But many religious leaders of the time thought they could just cross “serve God” off their checklist as they performed rituals rotely, with no heart behind their actions. Jesus called them out on it (Matthew 23:1-36). They had neglected the part about loving God with all their heart, soul, and might (Deuteronomy 6:5). Jesus identified believers as those who would worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Most baby boys in the U.S. still get circumcised, and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the health benefits outweigh the risks. But physical circumcision isn’t necessary for believers today. Circumcision doesn’t save, nor do any of our works. Jesus alone saves.

UNDERSTAND

Circumcision was God’s covenant sign with Abraham’s descendants.
True circumcision is a spiritual transformation of the heart, fulfilled in Christ.
Christians are saved by faith, not by physical circumcision or works.

REFLECT

How do you understand the difference between physical circumcision and the “circumcision of the heart”?
How are you cultivating a heart that loves God fully, beyond outward religious practices?
How does knowing that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not rituals or works, affect your relationship with God?

ENGAGE

How does the connection of physical circumcision to heart transformation inform our understanding of God’s relationship with His people?
What challenges or misunderstandings arise today when Christians talk about rituals like circumcision and their spiritual significance?
How can we help each other focus more on heart transformation rather than external religious actions in our community?