A reader asked,
For a long-time circumcision in the Scriptures has annoyed me—not because it’s there—but because I don’t think I fully understand its meaning, though I’m clear on the meaning in relation to the anatomy. Am I correct to think that in some places, it is referring to the literal/physical procedure only? Am I correct to think that in others, the word is inclusive of a general lifestyle of law-keeping and is not limited to the literal/physical procedure? Could you steer me toward passages that answer these?
Yes, in some places, circumcision (as in “the circumcision of the heart”) is used figuratively. Yes, sometimes it just refers to the physical practice.
The expression those of the circumcision in the NT refers to unbelieving Jews who believed that circumcision of Gentiles was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1) and to believing Jews who believed it was necessary for sanctification, but not for salvation (Acts 10:45; 11:2; 15:5). As you say, those who believed that circumcision was necessary for salvation did not think just the physical act would guarantee one’s eternal salvation. They saw circumcision as a sign of the Law and thus they taught that one who was circumcised was committing himself to keeping the Law of Moses in order to keep his salvation (or in order to gain final salvation).
As for verses on circumcision, here are some of each type:
The following verses are just a small sample of those which deal with literal circumcision: Genesis 17:10-27; 21:4; 34:15-24; Exodus 4:26; 12:44, 48; Leviticus 12:3; Joshua 5:2-8; Luke 1:59; 2:21; John 7:22-23.
The following verses refer to circumcision of the heart, a figurative expression that refers to the need for a new spiritual mindset: Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4; Romans 2:28-29; Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:11.
A book for which literal circumcision plays a major role is Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Works-salvation preachers were saying that in order to be justified before God a person had to not only believe in Christ, but also be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. We call these preachers Judaizers, since they were attempting to impose a faulty understanding of Judaism upon Christianity. See, for example, Gal 5:4. The believer who submits to circumcision thinking that it is necessary for his salvation falls from the present experience of God’s grace. He can’t lose everlasting life. But he can and does lose the experience of God’s favor in his daily living unless and until he repents of this heresy.
Tim Amoroso
With respect to today’s blog on Galatians 5:4 and being justified by the law, I have a question. If any mature believer here can answer this, for me, it would be greatly appreciated.
True or false. All believers have fallen from God’s grace?
I hope to get a correct response from someone here. But, If the Lord is willing, I am sure the Holy Spirit will help me to answer this.
Thanks and God bless.
Tim Amoroso
“You will lose your grip of God’s grace if you ever start thinking that believing is not enough to be everlastingly secure.”
Have all believers done this?
I do not know the correct answer to this. But, in my opinion, yes. If a believer doesn’t admit they have done this at one point or another, I think they are being dishonest. I think we all, as believers, have mistakenly done or thought this, at one point. But, I am open to correction. Please, correct me if I am wrong. As Dr. Wilkin states,
“Falling from grace is painful. It is something we should strive to avoid.”
Timothy Grady
Thanks Tim .
Briefly , I’m not sure how anyone – short of the Omniscient One- could definitively , and thus objectively weigh in on that .
There may very well be those who do not have that kind of doubt . I hope there are more of this sort than not .
As well , this only affects one’s fellowship blessings , and future rewards. Never can our position be affected, due to His magnificent Promise .
The rest available to all who believe in Jesus for everlasting life , is the best motivation for taking Him at His word on a daily basis.
Fear of hell cannot give this , but drives doubt on a treadmill of subjective guesses .
Let us rejoice presently in the certitude of this Promise .
When or if we fall , let us never forget is always tender heart of forgiving love . I have been very close to the edge , and thankfully He was faithful .
What we do this side of justification has eternal value . Pressing on makes sense . Giving up does not .
He guarantees it .
Timothy Grady
Sorry Tim about a misprint .
It should be : “let us never forget His tender heart of forgiving love”…
Blessings in truth .
Tim Amoroso
Thanks brother. This was very helpful. You are blessed. God bless.
Timothy Grady
Thanks for your thanks Tim !
What a tremendous privilege we have in the Body to point to His love and sufficiency .
There is never a time when that doesn’t hit the bullseye .
Encouragement and a timely word from the brethren have been the greatest motivators in my life . My prayer for you is that your questions have answers that profit for time and for eternity.
Only a Savior who is the King of love , mercy, and forgiveness would want these attributes to be distributed as widely as possible .
Only He ‘has it all-together’ . None of us should come-off with an attitude that we just came down from the heights of MountOlympus .
Not to think too highly of ourselves makes room for the Only One worthy .
As such , we are recievers of a gift . That gift should lead to greater and greater freedom in the sanctification/discipleship process.
It will always be true that this is a freedom from doubt on a bedrock of certainty .
Abiding in Him daily depends on our abiding in His word . As Bob has stated , this is our surest remedy for “truth decay”.
Thanks Tim for your kindness.
Lawren Green
Excellent! I learned a lot from this. Please keep these coming as most of have been taught milk and not meat.
Blessings
Tim Amoroso
I think another important point to mention with respect to this article is unbelief is a sin that leads to death. As believers we sin, but not unto death, if we confess our sins and walk in the light (1 John 7-9). But an believer who falls from grace, has sinned unto death, in that he has allowed an evil heart of unbelief to be in him. (Hebrews 3:12). Yet, he hasn’t lost his salvation from hell. God bless.
Stephen Conte
Falling from grace is exactly that: a fall from grace. A fall into what? Not into hell. It is a fall into law. To be a debtor to the whole law is a terrible state of judgment. Galatians 5:3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Tom Barrett
I’m thankful that I found out the truth of the saving unrevokable promise of everlasting life! Wow the God of heaven made it so easy to be saved! So easy that a child can understand! Man has made it hard to be saved! My Jesus knew me and died for me, rose from the dead, Done deal! What are you waiting foR?