Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a significant rite in the Judeo-Christian tradition, is first introduced in the Bible as a covenantal sign between God and Abraham. This practice, which involves the removal of the male foreskin, is deeply rooted in the Abrahamic covenant and holds profound theological and cultural implications.Biblical Foundation The institution of circumcision is recorded 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 directive marks circumcision as a perpetual sign of the covenant, binding Abraham and his descendants to God. Theological Significance Circumcision serves as a physical and spiritual symbol of the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. It signifies the commitment to live according to God's laws and the separation from pagan practices. In the Old Testament, circumcision is not merely a physical act but a representation of a deeper spiritual truth. Deuteronomy 10:16 exhorts, "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more." This verse highlights the call for inner transformation and obedience to God, beyond the physical ritual. Covenantal Identity For the Israelites, circumcision was a mark of identity, distinguishing them from other nations. It was a sign of belonging to the community of God's people and a reminder of the promises made to Abraham. In Joshua 5:2-9, the Israelites, upon entering the Promised Land, are commanded to circumcise the new generation, reaffirming their covenantal identity before God. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the practice of circumcision is reinterpreted in light of the coming of Christ. The Apostle Paul addresses the 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's teachings underscore the transition from the physical act to the spiritual reality it represents. In Galatians 5:6 , he states, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love." This shift highlights the fulfillment of the law through faith in Christ, rendering the physical rite unnecessary for Gentile believers. Cultural and Historical Context Historically, circumcision was practiced by various ancient cultures, but its significance in the biblical narrative is unique due to its divine institution and covenantal meaning. For the Jewish people, it remains a vital tradition, observed on the eighth day after a male child's birth, as commanded in Leviticus 12:3 : "On the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised." Conclusion Circumcision, as instituted by God, is a profound symbol of the covenant with Abraham and his descendants. It represents both a physical and spiritual commitment to God, serving as a reminder of His promises and the call to holiness. In the New Testament, its significance is transformed, emphasizing the inward change brought about by faith in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 17:9,10And God said to Abraham, You shall keep my covenant therefore, you, and your seed after you in their generations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether Circumcision was Instituted in a Fitting Manner? On the Sacraments of the Old Testament, the Tree of Life ... Whether Circumcision Bestowed Sanctifying Grace? What Covenant of God the New-Born Babe Breaks. What was the Value ... Article xiii (vii): of the Number and Use of the Sacraments. On Sacraments in General Concerning the Circumcision. Whether the Ceremonies of the Old Law Ceased at the Coming of ... Whether Christ Should have Been Circumcised? The City of God. Index of Subjects. 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) |
    |