Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, as an outward sign, holds significant theological and covenantal importance within the biblical narrative. It is primarily introduced in the Old Testament as a physical mark of the covenant between God and His chosen people, Israel. The practice is first 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).The act of circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin of the male genitalia and is performed on the eighth day after birth (Genesis 17:12). This rite serves as a tangible expression of the Israelites' unique relationship with God, setting them apart from other nations. It is a physical manifestation of their commitment to follow God's laws and commands. In the Mosaic Law, circumcision is reiterated as a requirement for participation in the religious community of Israel. It is a prerequisite for partaking in the Passover meal, as stated in Exodus 12:48: "If a foreigner residing with you wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in his household must be circumcised; then he may take part, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it" . The prophets, however, emphasize that circumcision should not merely be an external ritual but should reflect an inward spiritual reality. Jeremiah calls for the circumcision of the heart, urging the people to remove the "foreskin" of their hearts and be truly devoted to God: "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem" (Jeremiah 4:4). In the New Testament, the significance of circumcision is reinterpreted in light of the coming of Christ. The Apostle Paul addresses the issue in several of his epistles, particularly in Romans and Galatians. He argues that physical circumcision is not necessary for salvation and that faith in Jesus Christ is the true mark of belonging to God's people. 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 shift underscores the transition from the Old Covenant, marked by physical signs, to the New Covenant, characterized by spiritual transformation and faith in Christ. The Council of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 15, addresses the question of whether Gentile converts to Christianity must be circumcised. The apostles and elders, guided by the Holy Spirit, conclude that circumcision is not required for Gentile believers, affirming that salvation is through the grace of the Lord Jesus (Acts 15:11). Thus, while circumcision remains a significant historical and cultural practice, its theological emphasis in the New Testament is on the inward transformation of the heart, aligning with the broader biblical theme of faith and obedience to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 2:28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Baptism. The Levites Ought to be Utterly Free from all Earthly Desires. ... Whether Circumcision was Instituted in a Fitting Manner? Whether a Sacrament Imprints a Character on the Soul? The New Birth "Lo, I Come": Exposition Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Three Homilies. On Our Lord. 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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