Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7300 Institutions and culture of OT » 7334 circumcision » 7336 circumcision, spiritual On its own, the physical sign of circumcision is no guarantee of finding favour in the sight of God. It was intended to be the outward sign of inward consecration and should be accompanied by repentance, faith and obedience. Paul stresses that circumcision confers no special privileges upon individuals; it is faith in God, rather than any outward sign, that ensures that believers stand in a right relationship to God. Physical circumcision has no value without the obedience of the heart Deuteronomy 30:6 See also Deuteronomy 10:14-16; Jeremiah 4:4 Romans 2:28-29 See also Romans 2:25-27; 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision and faith Galatians 5:6 See also Romans 3:30 Abraham's righteousness depended on his faith, not on the covenant of circumcision Galatians 3:6; Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:9-12 Paul values the law as part of God's plan The sharp debate about circumcision for Christians The Council of Jerusalem Jewish Christians in Jerusalem criticise Peter for accepting hospitality from Cornelius and his (uncircumcised) friends God's acceptance of uncircumcised Gentiles is clear from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them Acts 10:44-46 See also Acts 10:34 Peter's misgivings about Gentile believers and the law Galatians 2:11-16 the dispute between Paul and Peter Imposing circumcision upon Gentile Christians denies the freedom of the gospel Galatians 5:1-6 To insist on circumcision is to nullify the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. See also Galatians 2:3-5; Galatians 3:14 “Judaisers” should be resisted Galatians 5:7-12; Galatians 6:12-13,15; Philippians 3:2-3; Titus 1:10-11 To be “in Christ” is to be spiritually circumcised Colossians 2:11-12 See also Colossians 3:11 Paul's confidence in Jesus Christ The relationship between baptism and circumcision in the NT Colossians 2:11-13 Both circumcision and baptism may each be described as a “seal”. Baptism signifies entry into the new covenant in the same way that circumcision marked initiation into the old; Romans 4:11 Abraham the father of all believers; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13 See also
2321 Christ as redeemer |
  |