Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a physical act of cutting the foreskin, was instituted by God as a sign of the covenant between Him and Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 17:10-14. This rite became a defining characteristic of the Jewish people, symbolizing their unique relationship with God and their commitment to His laws. However, in the New Testament, the role and significance of circumcision undergo a profound transformation with the advent of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant.The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of circumcision extensively, particularly in his letters to the Galatians and the Romans. In Galatians 5:2-4 , Paul warns the believers, "Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace." Here, Paul emphasizes that reliance on circumcision as a means of justification before God is a denial of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Trusting in circumcision, or any other aspect of the Mosaic Law, for salvation undermines the grace offered through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans 2:28-29 , Paul further clarifies, "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." This passage highlights the shift from a physical act to a spiritual reality. True circumcision is of the heart, signifying a transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit, rather than adherence to an external ritual. The early church grappled with the question of circumcision, especially as Gentiles began to accept the Gospel. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed this issue, ultimately deciding that Gentile converts were not required to undergo circumcision. This decision underscored the understanding that salvation is through faith in Christ alone, not through the observance of the law. Philippians 3:3 states, "For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by His Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh." Paul identifies true believers as those who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ, rejecting any confidence in the flesh, including physical circumcision, as a means of righteousness. The New Testament teaching on circumcision serves as a powerful reminder that the essence of the Christian faith is not found in external rituals or adherence to the law, but in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Trusting in circumcision, or any other legalistic practice, as a means of justification is a denial of the complete and sufficient work of Christ on the cross. The believer's confidence rests solely in the grace of God, accessed through faith in His Son. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 3:3,4Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh? Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 5:3,4 Library The Gospel of Luke The Christian Church a Family. Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It. Coornhert and the Collegiants --A Movement for Spiritual Religion ... The City of God. Index of Subjects. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem 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 |
    |