There is a question that is often posed among the christian community, should we wet circumcised today?. For many, it's a matter of religious duty, cultural tradition, or medical advice. But for the Christian today, the matter must be addressed biblically and wisely. What does Scripture say about circumcision, and does it still apply to us in the New Testament age?

Circumcision: Definition and Origin

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the male reproductive organ. In the Bible, circumcision was first commanded by God as a sign of the covenant made with Abraham:

“This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised” (Genesis 17:10, KJV).

God instituted it as a physical mark of His covenant with the descendants of Abraham. All male infants among the Israelites were to be circumcised on the eighth day (Leviticus 12:3). It was a visible sign that they belonged to the chosen nation, a people set apart for God.

Spiritual and Ceremonial Significance in Scripture

In the Old Testament, circumcision was more than a medical procedure. It symbolized spiritual obedience, and the need for inward cleansing. However, God often reminded His people that physical circumcision was meaningless without a circumcised heart:

“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked” (Deuteronomy 10:16).

By the time of Christ, many Jews had come to rely on circumcision as a source of pride or assurance of salvation. The apostle Paul, himself a circumcised Jew (Philippians 3:5), clearly taught that true righteousness does not come from the law or from circumcision, but from faith in Jesus Christ:

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love” (Galatians 5:6).
“Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God” (1 Corinthians 7:19).

Is Circumcision Required Today?

No. Circumcision is part of the ceremonial law given to Israel. Just as believers today are not required to keep dietary laws, feast days, or temple sacrifices, neither are they bound by the command to be circumcised. These ceremonial laws were fulfilled in Christ.

The early church addressed this issue directly. In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council ruled that Gentile believers should not be required to be circumcised or keep the Law of Moses to be saved. Peter’s conclusion was clear:

“Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” (Acts 15:10).

Salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), not by rituals or physical signs. Paul even rebuked those who tried to compel circumcision as necessary for justification (Galatians 2:3–5; 5:2–4).

What About Today? Health and Practical Considerations

While circumcision has no spiritual requirement under the New Covenant, it can still be practiced as a matter of personal or parental choice. Some families choose circumcision for cultural or hygienic reasons. From a medical standpoint, some studies suggest that circumcision may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in infants, certain sexually transmitted infections, and penile cancer. It may also be easier to maintain hygiene.

However, many medical professionals consider it an elective procedure with both benefits and risks. It is not a requirement for health and should be decided based on consultation with physicians, not pressure from religious or cultural obligation.

Importantly, no one should ever consider circumcision as a way to be more acceptable to God. The only circumcision that counts in eternity is the circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:28–29), a life transformed by grace and yielded to Christ.

Liberty, Not Legalism

Circumcision is not required for Christians today. It was a sign under the Old Covenant, now fulfilled in Christ. Believers are not under the law of Moses but under grace. If parents choose circumcision for their children for health or family reasons, they are free to do so. If they choose not to, they are equally free.

The gospel sets us free from the bondage of external ordinances. Whether circumcised or uncircumcised, what matters most is being a new creature in Christ:

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature” (Galatians 6:15).

Let us not judge others in matters of liberty, but let all things be done for the glory of God and with a clear conscience before Him (Romans 14:5–6, 22).