Dictionary of Bible Themes 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. Deuteronomy 30:6Physical circumcision has no value without the obedience of the heart See also Deuteronomy 10:14-16Jeremiah 4:4 Romans 2:28-29 See also Romans 2:25-271 Corinthians 7:19 Galatians 5:6 Circumcision and faith See also Romans 3:30Galatians 3:6 Genesis 15:6 Abraham's righteousness depended on his faith, not on the covenant of circumcision Romans 4:9-12Romans 3:1-2 Paul values the law as part of God's plan Acts 15:1-19The sharp debate about circumcision for Christians The Council of Jerusalem Acts 11:1-3Jewish Christians in Jerusalem criticise Peter for accepting hospitality from Cornelius and his (uncircumcised) friends Acts 10:44-46See also God's acceptance of uncircumcised Gentiles is clear from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them Acts 10:34Galatians 2:11-16 Peter's misgivings about Gentile believers and the law the dispute between Paul and Peter Galatians 5:1-6Imposing circumcision upon Gentile Christians denies the freedom of the gospel See also Galatians 2:3-5; 3:14To insist on circumcision is to nullify the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Galatians 5:7-12; 6:12-13,15"Judaisers" should be resisted Philippians 3:2-3Titus 1:10-11 Colossians 2:11-12 See also To be "in Christ" is to be spiritually circumcised Colossians 3:11Philippians 3:4-9 Paul's confidence in Jesus Christ Colossians 2:11-13The relationship between baptism and circumcision in the NT Romans 4:11Both 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 2 Corinthians 1:21-22Ephesians 1:13 Abraham the father of all believers See also 2321 Christ as redeemer3287 Holy Spirit, sealing of 6658 freedom 7912 collections 8020 faith 8154 righteousness 8207 commitment 8218 consecration 8239 earnestness 8453 obedience Numbers 35:6-34 |
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