Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a physical act commanded by God to Abraham and his descendants, holds profound spiritual significance in the biblical narrative, symbolizing the purity of heart and covenantal relationship with God. The practice is first introduced in Genesis 17:10-11 , where God commands Abraham, "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."While the physical act of circumcision was a sign of the covenant, the Scriptures emphasize that true circumcision is a matter of the heart. Deuteronomy 10:16 exhorts the Israelites, "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more." This call to heart circumcision underscores the necessity of internal transformation and obedience to God, beyond mere external compliance. The prophets further develop this theme, highlighting the spiritual dimension of circumcision. Jeremiah 4:4 urges, "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem." Here, the prophet calls for repentance and a genuine turning to God, indicating that true circumcision involves a heart fully devoted to Him. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of circumcision in relation to the Gentile believers. In Romans 2:28-29 , he 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 emphasizes that true belonging to God's people is marked by an inward transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit, rather than adherence to external rituals. Paul further elaborates on this in Colossians 2:11 , stating, "In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands." This passage highlights the work of Christ in the believer's life, where spiritual circumcision involves the removal of the sinful nature, signifying a new creation in Christ. The concept of circumcision as purity of heart is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of holiness and covenant fidelity. It calls believers to a life of sincere devotion, marked by an inward change that reflects God's holiness. The physical act, while significant in its historical and covenantal context, points to a deeper spiritual reality where the heart is set apart for God, embodying the essence of true worship and obedience. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 10:16Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff necked. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 30:6 Library The Answer, Telling that this Question Should be Reserved for a ... Entire Sanctification as Taught by James and Jude. Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests. Why the Circumcision of Infants was Enjoined under Pain of So ... On Regeneration False Teachings of the Apostasy. Vision Third. Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church ... Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Forms Versus Character The Gospel According to St. Matthew 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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