At theology school, I developed a keen interest in different Christian doctrines. I was especially intrigued by the Christian doctrine of heaven, who goes to heaven, and whether circumcision is necessary for someone to go to heaven. During my research, I visited many Catholic and Protestant churches, studied the Bible and other texts, and got a lot of new information. My college students recently asked about circumcision being a prerequisite for going to heaven, most thinking that the 8th-day circumcision of Jesus was the benchmark set to be followed by all Christians. Based on my research and scripture teachings, I could confidently answer their questions in detail. So, do you need to be circumcised to go to heaven?
No, you don’t have to be circumcised to go to heaven. While Genesis 17:19 says that God made a covenant with Abraham in which the circumcision of his son was necessary for eternal life for him and his descendants, it isn’t a requirement to go to heaven. Circumcision in this scripture was meant to create and confirm a lasting covenant with God and all of Abraham’s descendants for eternity. 1 Corinthians 7:19 notes that neither circumcision nor being uncircumcised counts for anything regarding salvation and going to heaven. Instead, keeping God’s commandments is the most important thing for salvation.
In this post, I’ll share more about the role of circumcision for Christians and if it’s a prerequisite for going to heaven. Stick around to learn more about this subject.
What does the Bible say about circumcision?
While the Old Testament teachings in Genesis 17:19 required all the descendants of Abraham to get circumcised for them to get to heaven, this covenant was broken and done with when Jesus Christ came to earth and offered to die for all of humankind’s sins. The selfless actions of Jesus meant that all believers got a new slate, and circumcision didn’t matter in determining whether a believer goes to heaven.
According to 1 Corinthians 7:19, the prerequisite for going to heaven for all believers is keenly keeping God’s commandments and asking for forgiveness when one sins. It’s noted here that it doesn’t matter if someone is circumcised or uncircumcised for someone to qualify to go to heaven. Galatians 5:2-11 also reiterates this message by noting that circumcision doesn’t earn believers any extra points regarding going to heaven.
The Bible further teaches that all humankind would receive salvation through the grace of God and that circumcision isn’t at the center of receiving salvation or going to heaven. Ephesians 2:8-9.
Interestingly, Titus 1:10 admonishes circumcised individuals and places them in the same category as the empty talkers, the insubordinate, and the liars, which also means that circumcision isn’t necessary for someone to go to heaven.
The Bible notes in Philippians 3:3 that circumcision doesn’t have to be in the physical sense but spiritual – meaning that believers should receive the holy spirit and stop trusting their flesh or what their flesh can do. This is further mentioned in Jeremiah 9:25, which insists on the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit, believing in God, and following God’s commands for salvation and a place in heaven. Colossians 2:11, Romans 2:29, Jeremiah 4:4, and Acts 4:12 also encourage believers to embrace circumcision of the spirit by Jesus Christ rather than considering circumcision of the flesh.
Is circumcision a requirement for salvation for male believers?
No, circumcision is not a requirement for male believers to go to heaven. Instead, believers are encouraged to follow God’s commands and to accept circumcision as a spiritual event through which they receive the holy spirit and promise of eternal life.
Christians are encouraged to receive the circumcision of the heart instead, which would only happen to them if they chose to fully trust God and the sacrifices he made on the cross.
That said, it’s worth noting that since Jesus was born a Jew and was circumcised (Colossians 2:11-12 and Luke 2:21), circumcision was a big matter for the early Christian Church, and even adult Greeks were forced to undergo circumcision. This act became the reason for the huge divide between Jews and non-Jewish believers. But today, Christians don’t have to be circumcised to go to heaven or receive salvation; they only need to trust God.
Can I still go to heaven if I am an uncircumcised male believer?
Yes. You can still go to heaven if you are uncircumcised because circumcision isn’t a requirement for going to heaven. What’s more important for Christians is receiving Christ in their hearts, which means receiving circumcision of the heart. Believers are also taught that circumcision doesn’t count for anything when it comes to going to heaven, and what matters is having faith in God and leading a life that pleases and honors God. Galatians 2:16 and Colossians 2:11.
Also, Romans 2:25-29 teaches that circumcision is only valuable to Christians if they obey God’s laws and maintain the precepts of the laws set by God. They should also praise God and that all their actions should be meant to please God rather than man.
Is there a sin associated with not being circumcised?
No, there is nothing wrong associating with an uncircumcised Christian according to the bible teachings because Christ came to earth and died for the sake of all sins of humankind, giving everyone a clean slate to start and live their lives on.
However, the Bible teaches that no added value comes from being circumcised if someone still doesn’t follow God’s commands.
What is the controversy surrounding circumcision in the Christian church?
While Christians don’t have to be circumcised to go to heaven, circumcision remains contentious for most Christians, especially with Jews believing that circumcision is important for any Christian and non-Jews holding a differing opinion.
Notably, the controversy comes from the Old Testament teachings emphasizing circumcision for all of Abraham’s descendants. In contrast, the New Testament teachings insist on the circumcision of the spirit. These differences have caused splits between some Christian groups, and they remain controversial, especially when the teachings in the Didache, the first Christian Document, are considered.
Do Christians still believe circumcision is the way to please God?
While some Christians, like the Jews, still consider circumcision the key to salvation and pleasing God, Christians whose faith is hinged on the New Testament teachings don’t consider circumcision the key to pleasing God. Instead, most Christians believe that following God’s commandments and laws is the right way to please God. Circumcision is also seen as a way of encouraging medical wellness for males, and others don’t consider it necessary.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
