Circumcision from the OT, how does the Bible apply it today?

Circumcision from the OT
How does the Bible apply it today

God used Circumcision to set his people apart from others in the OT covenant. Circumcision pointed towards the NT covenant of God's salvation by grace.

Circumcision of OT Covenant

God used circumcision as a sign to mark his people in the OT. God made an everlasting covenant of circumcision with Abraham. If anyone refused circumcision, he was cut off from the people and God (Gen. 17:9–14).

Abraham was 99 years old when God renewed their agreement (Gen. 17:1). God again told Abraham that he would have a child with Sarah, have numerous descendants, and become the father of many nations. The Lord then told Abraham to circumcise himself, at 99 years, and all the males in his household (Gen. 17).

The God of Love used many physical signs to work with his people in the OT covenant. He used a physical sign on the flesh to identify his children. The mark of circumcision pointed to the NT seal and spiritual mark of life.

The Mark of Jesus Christ

Jesus gives us a mark of life and righteousness. He gives the spiritual mark by his shed blood through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ anoints us with his seal of ownership and gives us the Holy Spirit to guarantee our salvation (2 Cor. 1:21, 22). God the Father adopted us as his children through Jesus Christ. Our Father forgives our sins and redeems us through the blood of his Son (Eph. 1:3–8).

God gives the Holy Spirit through Holy Baptism (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:10). He seals us with the promised Holy Spirit that marks us and guarantees our salvation (Eph. 1:13, 14). God seals his saints to protect them against the spiritual forces in this world.

Our Father wants spiritual children to fill Heaven. In chapter 6, the slain souls under the altar ask the Lord how long until the end. The Lord, the angels, and the saints wait and wonder how long before the end. I think the Lord’s ready for the end also. As soon as they reach the full number, the end will come. The Father sitting on his Throne probably asks, “Jesus are all the children home yet?” Then later he may ask again, “Son have all of our children come home?...”

Circumcision—Holy Baptism

Christians believe that Holy Baptism in the NT replaces circumcision in the OT. Paul says that Christ himself circumcises us. God buries us with him in baptism, and we rise with him through faith (Col. 2:11, 12). This points toward baptism replacing OT circumcision.

Abraham circumcised himself and his people by faith. The sign of circumcision gave him a seal and covenant by faith. They circumcised themselves as adults because it was a new covenant from God. This made Abraham the father of all who walk in faith (Rom. 4:9–12).

After the initial circumcision, they circumcised baby boys on the eighth day of life. They didn’t wait until adulthood because God considered circumcision a seal or sign. They only circumcised once. They did not re-circumcise themselves as adults. When the Creator saw the circumcision, he considered the people his.

Text of, circumcision of OT, from pages 101, 102, 104 of "Walking Through Revelation With a Common Man"

Similar Web Pages