Paul further clarifies the meaning of circumcision.

Romans 3:1-8

Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? ?Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,

 “ That you may be justified in your words,

and prevail when you are judged.”

5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

Just in case any Jews thought that Paul was saying that the sign of the covenant wasn’t important anymore, Paul writes that the advantage of circumcision is “much in every way.” We must understand this in light of his previous argument, that those who have circumcised - or humbled - their hearts are the true Jews. Therefore, Paul is saying here that there is an advantage for the Jews because they are the people entrusted with the words of God. So, if the Jews obey inwardly and outwardly, there is much gain for Jews, as they are the first to be brought near to God. However, for the Jew who really understands this heart-circumcision, this advantage is in no way a prideful advantage, but rather a joyful and humble recognition that God chose to work through his or her nation to bring salvation to all nations. Paul is crafting here a master argument which should serve to unite the church of God, both the Gentile branch and the Jewish branch.

Paul then launches into a discussion of Israel’s unfaithfulness and the will of God. Paul clearly mentions that one of the purposes of the unfaithfulness of the people is that it shows the faithfulness of God. This is certainly a rather complicated discussion, but there are a few clear points we can discern here. First, men cannot say that God is unjust in any circumstances. Even though God “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,” there is no grounds for anyone to say that He is unjust because He did not choose certain people. The main argument of Paul thus far in the letter is that everyone is without excuse, especially the Jews. However, a point closely associated with this is that unfaithfulness of God’s chosen people does not throw a kink into God’s plan, rather it is God’s plan and He remains perfectly just. Second, this is in no way an excuse for anyone to sin because it shows God’s faithfulness. Sure, there is no way to thwart God’s plan, and He will be glorified either by justifying us through faith, or punishing us forever, but we are called to obey. We do not involve ourselves with the decisions and decrees of God, Paul is merely explaining them here to show the prideful Jews that God doesn’t need them.

The recognition of these truths should bring a humble and faithful obedience to our lives. As believers we should let the things we do outwardly such as baptism, giving, loving others, etc… flow from an inwardly circumcised heart. Also, when we mess up, as we will inevitably do, we do not fret as people who have failed, but we strive on in faith. Sometimes it is easy to lose heart and continue in sin by thinking, “well, I’ve messed up and God is righteous to judge me.” However, this is the wrong way to think and it is a sinful way to think. God’s plan is perfect, and though His plan includes both our failures and our successes, we are called to obey. Anyway, why wouldn’t we want God’s glorification to include our enjoyment of Him? He has given us so much; He has even grafted us into the nation of Israel through faith. This grace should motivate our living for Him.