Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a significant rite in the Judeo-Christian tradition, symbolizes a covenantal relationship with God, emphasizing readiness to hear and obey His commands. This practice, first instituted with Abraham, serves as a physical and spiritual marker of belonging to God's chosen people.Biblical Foundation The origin of circumcision is found 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." This act was not merely a physical procedure but a profound symbol of commitment and obedience to God’s will. Spiritual Significance Beyond its physical aspect, circumcision holds deep spiritual meaning. In Deuteronomy 10:16 , Moses exhorts the Israelites, "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more." Here, the call is for an internal transformation, a readiness to hear and obey God’s voice, reflecting a heart fully devoted to Him. This concept is reiterated in Jeremiah 4:4 : "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem." New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul expands on the spiritual dimension of circumcision. 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 circumcision is a spiritual condition, marked by a heart attuned to God’s Spirit and His commandments. Readiness to Hear and Obey Circumcision, therefore, is emblematic of a readiness to hear and obey God. It signifies a life set apart for divine purposes, characterized by a willingness to submit to God’s authority. This readiness is not merely about external compliance but involves an internal disposition of the heart, as seen in the call to "circumcise your hearts." Covenantal Relationship The act of circumcision is deeply tied to the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It is a sign of the promises made by God and the responsibilities of His people to live in accordance with His statutes. This covenantal aspect underscores the importance of obedience as a response to God’s faithfulness and love. Contemporary Application For believers today, the principle of circumcision as readiness to hear and obey remains relevant. It challenges Christians to examine their hearts and ensure that their lives reflect a genuine commitment to God’s will. This involves a continual process of spiritual renewal and transformation, aligning one's life with the teachings of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In summary, circumcision in the biblical context is a profound symbol of readiness to hear and obey God. It calls for both an outward sign of faith and an inward transformation of the heart, reflecting a life dedicated to following God’s commands and living in His covenantal love. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 6:10To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot listen: behold, the word of the LORD is to them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Acts xvii. 1, 2, 3 Acts X Instructions to Catechumens. Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators Galatians Chapter V. Epistles to the Seven Churches. Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Of the Nature of Regeneration, and Particularly of the Change it ... The Arguments Usually Alleged in Support of Free Will Refuted. Of Christian Liberty. Resources Who was Zipporah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Romans 2:7 teach works salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | 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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