Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a significant rite in the Judeo-Christian tradition, is referred to as the "Covenant of Circumcision." This practice, which involves the removal of the male foreskin, is deeply rooted in biblical history and theology, symbolizing a covenantal relationship between God and His people.Biblical Foundation The origin of circumcision as a covenantal sign is found in Genesis 17, where God establishes His covenant with Abraham. In Genesis 17:10-11 , God commands, "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you." This act was to be performed on every male child on the eighth day after birth, as a perpetual sign of the covenant. Theological Significance Circumcision in the Old Testament is not merely a physical act but carries profound spiritual significance. It represents the Jewish people's commitment to God and their distinct identity as His chosen people. In Deuteronomy 10:16 , the Israelites are exhorted to "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more." This indicates that the physical act was intended to reflect an inner spiritual reality—a heart devoted to God. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the practice of circumcision becomes a point of theological discussion, particularly in the context of the early Church's expansion to include Gentile believers. The Apostle Paul addresses this issue in several of his epistles, emphasizing that physical circumcision is not a requirement for salvation. 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." Paul further elaborates in Galatians 5:6 , stating, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love." This underscores the transition from the Old Covenant, where circumcision was a physical sign, to the New Covenant, where faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit are paramount. Cultural and Historical Context Historically, circumcision distinguished the Israelites from surrounding nations and served as a physical reminder of their unique relationship with God. It was a rite of passage and a mark of identity, setting them apart as a people dedicated to the Lord. In the early Christian Church, the question of circumcision was a significant issue, particularly at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15), where it was decided that Gentile converts to Christianity were not required to undergo circumcision. This decision was pivotal in shaping the early Church's understanding of the relationship between the Law of Moses and the grace offered through Jesus Christ. Conclusion Circumcision, as the "Covenant of Circumcision," holds a vital place in biblical theology, symbolizing the covenantal relationship between God and His people. While its physical practice was central to the identity of the Jewish people under the Old Covenant, the New Testament reinterprets its significance in light of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing a spiritual circumcision of the heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 7:8And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ... Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. The Christians' Circumcision Far More Excellent. Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Of the Male, who was to Lose his Soul if He was not Circumcised on ... Doctrine of the Rest of the Apostles. Acts vii. 6, 7 The Foundation of the Church. Acts XVI Of God's Attestation to Abraham, by which He Assures Him, when Now ... Resources Why do some cultures practice female genital mutilation (FGM)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the bodily discharges mentioned in Leviticus 15, and why did they make a person unclean? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Colossians - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Circumcision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Circumcision was Performed by Persons in Authority Circumcision was Performed by the Heads of Families Circumcision was Performed in the Presence of the Family Circumcision was Performed with Knives of Flint Circumcision was Performed: Even on the Sabbath Day Circumcision was Performed: On Males Home-Born and Bought Circumcision was Performed: On the Eighth Day Circumcision without Faith, Vain Circumcision without Obedience, Vain Circumcision: A Designation of Christians Circumcision: A Designation of the Jews Circumcision: A Painful and Bloody Rite Circumcision: A Prerequisite of the Privileges of the Passover Circumcision: A Seal of Righteousness Circumcision: A Seal of the Covenant Circumcision: Abolished by the Gospel Circumcision: Accompanied With Naming the Child Circumcision: Called The: Circumcision in the Flesh Circumcision: Called The: Concision Circumcision: Called The: Covenant of Circumcision Circumcision: Characterized by Paul As a Yoke Circumcision: Child Named at the Time of Circumcision: Covenant Promises of Circumcision: Enforced by the Law Circumcision: First Performed on Abraham and his Family Circumcision: Instituted by God Circumcision: Introductory Jewish Ordinances Circumcision: Israelites at Gilgal Circumcision: John the Baptist Circumcision: Necessary to Enjoying the Privileges of the Jewish State Circumcision: Necessity of, Asserted by False Teachers Circumcision: Necessity of, Denied by Paul Circumcision: Necessity of, Falsely Taught by Judaizing Christians Circumcision: Neglect of, Punished Circumcision: Not Performed in the Wilderness Circumcision: Paul Denounced for Opposing Circumcision: Paul's Argument Against the Continuance of Circumcision: Performed by Joshua at Gilgal Circumcision: Performed on all Males on the Eighth Day Circumcision: Performed on Timothy As a Matter or Expediency Because of The Circumcision: Promises to Abraham Previous To Circumcision: Punishment for Neglecting Circumcision: Purity of Speech Circumcision: Readiness to Hear and Obey Circumcision: Rite of, Observed on the Sabbath Circumcision: Saints the True Spiritual Circumcision: Sometimes Performed on Slain Enemies Circumcision: The Jews: Denominated By Circumcision: The Jews: Despised As Unclean Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held It Unlawful to Intermarry With Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held No Intercourse With Those not of The Circumcision: Trusting To, a Denial of Christ Related Terms Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) |
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