Galatians 6:15
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
Truth to Learn
Our attempts to cause, or secure, salvation are a waste of effort.
Behind the Words
The word translated “avails” is the verb ischuō, which means “to have force” or “to exercise force.” Hence, Paul is saying that neither circumcision nor lack of circumcision has any force (or carries any weight). Neither the presence not absence of circumcision makes any difference regarding our standing before God.
“New” is translated from the adjective kainos. Indeed, this word means “new,” but not new in terms of age, rather new in terms of quality. The new creation is one that is a new kind of creation.
The word “creation” is translated from the noun ktisis. This is derived from the verb ktidzo, meaning “to create” or “to form.” It is used to express the act of creation, but it is also used to express the thing created.
Meaning Explained
Paul now makes a very clear statement regarding the doctrine of salvation. This seemingly innocuous verse, buried in the last chapter of his letter to the Galatians, is possibly the most important and poignant verse in the entire letter. The False teachers in the Galatian churches taught that complete salvation depended on full observance of the law, especially circumcision. Paul now topples their house of cards with a single statement; “circumcision is nothing!”
According to Paul, church ritualism and church rules have absolutely nothing to do with salvation. Let me state that again, church ritualism and church rules have absolutely nothing to do with salvation. It comes about because of a new creation of God’s doing, not because of anything that man does or doesn’t do. Paul is telling the Galatian Christians that there is nothing that they can do to effect their salvation any more or less than what God has already done for them.
It is this transformed life and the spiritual anointing that only God can effect which makes a lost sinner one who is forgiven of their sins and energized by the Holy Spirit to live as a child of God. This new creation is what Jesus was referring to when he told Nicodemus:
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:5, 6)
We had absolutely no part in effecting our physical birth in the flesh, it was something brought about by God. Likewise, there is nothing that we can do to effect the spiritual birth which makes us a new creation. It is God who, by His grace, proclaims us righteous, gives us spiritual life, and adopts us into His family.
Application
Are you still trying to complete your salvation? Are you trying to not lose your salvation? If so, then Paul tells you that all your efforts are futile. It is completely in God’s hands.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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