Ephesians 2:11-18 -Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands- remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

For the Jewish people, circumcision was a requirement to fulfill the Law. It was established as a national ordinance (Gen_17:10-11) and all men must be circumcised in order to partake in the privilege of Jewish citizenship. (Exo_12:48) The Gentiles were considered an unclean people and therefore could not partake in God’s grace. In order for the gentiles to be saved they too must be brought into Gods favor and Paul argues that this is done not by the hands of man through the sacrament of circumcision, but by the blood of Christ. Christ, being our peace, brought both groups together to make one people of God. There is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles when viewed through the eyes of Jesus. (Act_15:1-12)

Being reconciled into one body, the Gentiles now have the same hope, the same grace, the same faith, and the same God as their Jewish counterparts. There is no distinction between Jews and Greeks for whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Rom_10:12-13)

In many religions there are rituals, traditions, and ceremonies that must be observed in order to be right with God.  But not so with our Christian faith… thankfully we are justified through the blood of Christ.