Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, as a significant covenantal sign in the Abrahamic tradition, is deeply rooted in the promises God made to Abraham prior to the institution of this rite. These promises laid the foundation for the covenant relationship between God and Abraham, which would later be symbolized through circumcision.The Call of Abram The narrative of God's promises to Abraham begins in Genesis 12, where God calls Abram (later named Abraham) to leave his country and family to go to a land that God would show him. This call is accompanied by a series of promises: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). Here, God promises to make Abram a great nation, indicating a future multitude of descendants. The Promise of Land In Genesis 12:7, God further promises Abram the land of Canaan: "The LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.'" This promise of land is reiterated and expanded in Genesis 13:14-17, where God instructs Abram to look in all directions and assures him that all the land he sees will be given to him and his offspring forever. The Covenant and the Promise of Descendants Genesis 15 records a formal covenant ceremony between God and Abram. In a vision, God reassures Abram, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward" (Genesis 15:1). Abram expresses concern about his childlessness, to which God responds with a promise: "Look at the heavens and count the stars, if you are able. Then He declared, 'So shall your offspring be'" (Genesis 15:5). This promise emphasizes the multitude of Abram's future descendants. The Promise of a Son In Genesis 17, God appears to Abram and reiterates His covenant, changing Abram's name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations." God promises that Abraham will be exceedingly fruitful and that nations and kings will come from him (Genesis 17:4-6). It is in this context that God introduces circumcision as the sign of the covenant: "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised" (Genesis 17:10). The Promise of Isaac Prior to the command of circumcision, God specifically promises Abraham a son through his wife Sarah, despite their old age. In Genesis 17:19, God declares, "Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him" . This promise underscores the continuation of the covenant through Isaac, the child of promise. Summary of Promises The promises to Abraham prior to the institution of circumcision include the assurance of numerous descendants, the gift of the land of Canaan, and the establishment of a covenant relationship with God. These promises are foundational to the identity and mission of the people of Israel and are fulfilled in various ways throughout the biblical narrative. The rite of circumcision, introduced in Genesis 17, serves as a physical and perpetual sign of these divine promises and the covenantal relationship between God and Abraham's descendants. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 4:9,13Comes this blessedness then on the circumcision only, or on the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Inseparable Connection Between the Old and the New Testament. Against Heresies Galatians Chapter iii. Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations Chapter xxi The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians Manner of Covenanting. Of the Sacraments. 2 Cor. I. 12 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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