Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a practice originating in the Old Testament, holds significant theological and spiritual implications within the Christian faith. While physical circumcision was a covenantal sign given to Abraham and his descendants, the New Testament reveals a deeper, spiritual understanding of circumcision for the saints.Old Testament Background The practice of circumcision was instituted by God as a sign of the 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 physical act was a mark of belonging to God's chosen people, Israel, and was required for participation in the community and its religious life. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the concept of circumcision, emphasizing its spiritual significance over the physical act. 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. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God." 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." Here, the emphasis is placed on faith and love as the true markers of belonging to God's people, rather than adherence to the physical rite. Spiritual Circumcision The concept of spiritual circumcision is further developed in Colossians 2:11-12 , where Paul explains, "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. And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead." This passage highlights the transformative work of Christ in the believer's life, where the "circumcision" is a metaphor for the removal of the sinful nature and the renewal of the heart. The True Israel The New Testament presents the idea that the true Israel, or the true people of God, are those who have experienced this spiritual circumcision. In Philippians 3:3 , Paul declares, "For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh." This redefinition of circumcision underscores the shift from a physical to a spiritual identity, where the saints are identified by their relationship with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Conclusion The concept of circumcision in the Christian faith transcends its Old Testament origins, pointing to a deeper, spiritual reality. The true circumcision is of the heart, performed by the Spirit, marking the believer as part of the true Israel, the community of faith in Christ. This spiritual transformation is central to the identity of the saints, who are called to live by faith and express their love through the power of the Holy Spirit. Torrey's Topical Textbook Philippians 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 2:11 Library Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath ... Third Sunday Before Lent Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's ... The Ass and the Colt are the Old and the New Testament. Spiritual ... Hymns and Spiritual Songs Against Heresies Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Sanctification. Articles vii and viii: of the Church. Coornhert and the Collegiants --A Movement for Spiritual Religion ... 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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