Circumcision & the Cross of Christ

Summary: Paul draws attention to the fact that he is writing in large letters with his own hand, underscoring the seriousness of what he is about to say. He then exposes the motives of those pressuring believers to be circumcised: they want to present a respectable outward image and avoid persecution tied to the message of the cross. Even while advocating circumcision, Paul says, they do not truly keep the law themselves; instead, they want to boast in visible marks on other people’s bodies. Against that kind of boasting, Paul sets his own single ground of pride: the cross of Jesus Christ. Through that cross, he describes a decisive break - he regards the world as crucified to him, and himself as crucified to the world. In that new reality, the old identity markers no longer carry weight; neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but what matters is becoming a new creation. He concludes by pronouncing peace and mercy upon all who walk by this principle, and upon the Israel of God.   Teaching: Paul sold all the treasures he had and bought the cross. A true Christian is someone who understands the meaning of the cross - someone who lays down every reason for boasting before the cross and realizes, before the cross, how deeply loved they are. Since the things this world boasts about are nothing, we must boast only in the cross and in God. Paul met Jesus while he was circumcised and became a new person. The Galatians met Jesus while they were uncircumcised and became new people. In the same way, a person does not become new simply by cutting off a part of the body. The change that happens within the heart - hating sin and loving what is good - takes place only when we meet Jesus and remain in the Holy Spirit. For those who participate in God’s work of new creation, even if the path is difficult and exhausting, even if the heart is wounded and there are losses, there is still peace within. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Mar 18, 2026 Galatians 6:11-18