Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Circumcised

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In biblical theology, the concept of a "circumcised heart" is a profound metaphor that signifies the transformation and renewal of an individual's inner being. This transformation is essential for a life that is aligned with God's will and purposes. The imagery of circumcision, originally a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, is employed in Scripture to describe the spiritual renewal that occurs within a believer.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of a circumcised heart is rooted in the Old Testament, where God calls His people to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. In Deuteronomy 10:16, Moses exhorts the Israelites, "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more." Here, the call is for an internal change, a shedding of stubbornness and rebellion, to foster a heart that is responsive to God.

Further, in Deuteronomy 30:6, the promise of divine intervention in this transformation is highlighted: "The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live." This passage underscores the necessity of divine action in the renewal process, enabling believers to love God fully.

Prophetic Insights

The prophets also speak to the necessity of heart circumcision. Jeremiah 4:4 warns, "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskins of your hearts, men of Judah and residents of Jerusalem, or My wrath will break out like fire." This call to repentance and renewal is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of internal purity over mere external compliance.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul expands on this concept, linking it to the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit. In Romans 2:28-29, Paul writes, "A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code." Here, Paul emphasizes that true belonging to God's people is marked by an inward transformation wrought by the Spirit.

Colossians 2:11 further elucidates this spiritual circumcision: "In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands." This passage highlights the believer's union with Christ, through which the old sinful nature is removed, and a new, sanctified life begins.

Practical Implications

The circumcised heart is characterized by a life of obedience, love, and devotion to God. It reflects a heart that is sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and committed to living according to God's commandments. This transformation is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification, as believers grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord.

In summary, the circumcised heart is a central theme in Scripture, symbolizing the profound inner change that God desires for His people. It is a heart that is set apart for Him, marked by a deep, abiding love and a commitment to His ways.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 30:6
And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 2:29
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

General Character of Christians.
... Herod was a vile character; but "he feared John, knowing ... The renewed are chiefly
restrained by love to God and ... yea not only in every field, but in every heart. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xi general character of.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... of privileges formerly promised, and came under renewed obligation to ... of truth, it
sustains the character of an ... As a heart circumcised is it thus described. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Reform
... into the heart, let the soul be renewed by the ... whatever, to injure and contaminate
your character by connecting ... my blessed Master, with a perfect heart, and I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/reform.htm

Perpetuity
... Philo, in Vita Mosis: Illa lingua ac character quo antiquitus scripta ... 104] "Rend
your heart.". ... De cultu feminarum, i-3. "He could equally have renewed it, under ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ix perpetuity.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... Has the gospel renewed you in the spirit of your mind ... This is the character of all
unregenerate men ... out/ There is no room for boasting in the heart that receives ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

God Rejoicing in the New Creation
... creation is a heart that is itself renewed, or else ... among the dead, but let your
heart dwell in ... is an eminent Christian, and whose public character will bear ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/god rejoicing in the new.htm

P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ...
... of baptism"its object and true character"must not ... If thou believest with all thine
heart, thou mayest ... that no man, until renewed by living water, that is ...
/.../chapter 16 paedobaptism its accordance.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... or dye, given to the character"was best ... God: No stranger, uncircumcised in heart,
nor uncircumcised in ... 5.) Persons that were circumcised inwardly (Colossians ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

Covenant Duties.
... of the imperfections of the human heart have heretofore ... action; its members sustain
not the character of living ... times when the covenant of Sinai was renewed. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

Acts VI
... many of the excellencies of Christian character, they were ... of the gospel were aroused
into renewed activity. ... then of all the apostles; and his heart must have ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vi.htm