“For neither does circumcision mean anything, not does uncircumcision, but only a new creation.” (Gal. 6:15).

Have you ever imagined the scope and impact of this single sentence?

This statement by Paul is to the Jewish Christians who had converted to faith in Christ from Judaism in the first century. For those who had been born into Judaism and had practiced it to such an extent, circumcision was not simply a rite of initiation into religion. For them, it was salvation, a sign of one’s holiness, a way of life. Without circumcision, one was a Gentile, a profane person. It was a secret code that enabled one to have any sort of connection or integration with the community which they were members of. It was in such a cultural background that Paul makes this statement, “Circumcision means nothing.” He is saying that it is so unimportant. He is trivializing the very cornerstone of their lives. So, what is important? What matters is "to become a new creation.” When Paul says to become a “new creation,” he must be meaning to be in Christ. (“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” -2 Cor. 5:17).

Only if we make parallels to this verse in our time, can we see the revolutionary content of this statement!

'neither does being baptized mean anything, not does being unbaptized, but only a new creation.'

'neither does following this Church tradition mean anything, not does following no tradition, but being a new creation'

- and so on?!