Circumcision Without Hands
Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Recently I had a circumcision procedure done. The foreskin was removed. I did not have it done for religious reasons, but because I had an infection that was causing the skin to stick together.
Circumcision in the Bible was instituted as a sign to identify the people of God. The Jewish people place great importance on this practice; every male child is circumcised before the age of one year. Even Jesus was circumcised.
Romans 2:25–29; 3:1–4; 4:9–12
These passages outline what circumcision is. It is part of the Mosaic Law and is not necessary for salvation.
It cannot and does not save a person. It is like going to church or giving to charity—although these things are good in themselves, they do not bring salvation.
Scriptural passages that support this include:
1 Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God.
Galatians 5:6
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith which works through love.
Galatians 6:15
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
My circumcision does not change anything in my relationship with God.
Devotional Thought
Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
It is good to have had the physical procedure done, although while the surgeon was cutting the skin, my reaction was evidence that it was quite painful.
As a Christian, I have also received the circumcision made without hands when I came to faith many years ago.
I was given a new heart and a new nature:
Ezekiel 36:25–27
25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
27 And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.
I was also sealed with the Holy Spirit. This is a legal seal of ownership and assurance. When a document is sealed, it is confirmed and binding—so it is with the sealing of God’s Spirit.
We belong to Christ, and He belongs to us, never to be separated.
Romans 8:31–39
2 Corinthians 1:22
Who has also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.
My Question to You:
Have you received a new heart?
Have you experienced the circumcision made without hands?
Have you been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise?
To the Christian, these truths are truly amazing. They should cause us to rejoice.
Christian, rejoice in these things.