Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, the physical act of removing the foreskin of the male genitalia, holds significant religious and cultural importance within the Judeo-Christian tradition. It is first introduced in the Bible as a covenantal sign between God and Abraham, and later becomes a central aspect of the Mosaic Law, symbolizing the Israelites' commitment to God and their distinct identity as His chosen people.Biblical Foundation The practice of circumcision is instituted in Genesis 17, where God commands Abraham to circumcise every male in his household as a sign of the everlasting covenant: "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised" (Genesis 17:10). This act was to be performed on the eighth day after birth, marking the individual as part of the covenant community. Circumcision in the Mosaic Law The requirement of circumcision is reiterated and enforced under the Mosaic Law, serving as a physical and spiritual demarcation of the Israelites from other nations. Leviticus 12:3 states, "On the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised" . This command underscores the importance of obedience to God's statutes and the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through successive generations. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Beyond its physical aspect, circumcision carries profound spiritual symbolism. It represents the cutting away of sin and impurity, a theme echoed in the prophetic literature. Deuteronomy 10:16 exhorts the Israelites, "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more" , indicating that true devotion to God requires an inward transformation, not merely an outward ritual. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the practice of circumcision becomes a point of contention, particularly in the early Church as it grapples with the inclusion of Gentile believers. The Apostle Paul addresses this issue, emphasizing that physical circumcision is not a prerequisite for salvation. In Galatians 5:6, he writes, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love" . This shift highlights the transition from the Old Covenant, centered on the Law, to the New Covenant, centered on faith in Christ. Continuity and Change While the physical act of circumcision was a binding requirement under the Old Covenant, its spiritual significance continues to resonate in the New Testament. The emphasis shifts from a physical mark to a spiritual transformation, as believers are called to circumcise their hearts and live in obedience to God through faith in Jesus Christ. This evolution reflects the broader theological transition from the Law to grace, underscoring the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 12:3And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 7:22 Library Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. The Sabbath Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Transactions of that Period, and Progress of Christian Doctrine ... Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Elucidations. The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ... Fourth Day. Holiness and Revelation. The Banquet of the Ten Virgins, or Concerning Chastity The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians Resources What is circumcision of the heart? | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism the New Covenant equivalent of circumcision? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about circumcision? What is the Christian view of circumcision? | 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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