"... For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor takes reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger, in giving him food and raiment." (Deuteronomy 10:14-18)
From the new testament, apostle Paul asks, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:1-5)
And then further clarification -- "... the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:" (Hebrews 9:8)
Apostle Paul, who is an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead) is writing unto the churches of Galatia. As we see here, Paul is warning them against believing that they are now made perfect by the flesh or by traditions of men (re: physical circumcision). But Paul does not stop there. Paul continues, sharing our faith is not contingent on physical circumcision or the law, but rather, we are made whole in the Lord Jesus, wherein we become a new creature. (Galatians 6:15) This point is further validated in the next two scriptures:
"Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God." (I Corinthians 7:19)
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." (Galatians 6:15)
By way of background, it's helpful to understand the Old Testament can be likened to physical (under the law) but the New Testament is spiritual - wherein we are most thankful to be saved by His divine grace through faith. Or put another way -- heavenly.
And then further clarification -- "... the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:" (Hebrews 9:8)
Apostle Paul, who is an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead) is writing unto the churches of Galatia. As we see here, Paul is warning them against believing that they are now made perfect by the flesh or by traditions of men (re: physical circumcision). But Paul does not stop there. Paul continues, sharing our faith is not contingent on physical circumcision or the law, but rather, we are made whole in the Lord Jesus, wherein we become a new creature. (Galatians 6:15) This point is further validated in the next two scriptures:
"Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God." (I Corinthians 7:19)
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." (Galatians 6:15)
By way of background, it's helpful to understand the Old Testament can be likened to physical (under the law) but the New Testament is spiritual - wherein we are most thankful to be saved by His divine grace through faith. Or put another way -- heavenly.
Another way to compare the old covenant with the new testament is by considering circumcision in the old as an act that is physical in nature (the cutting of the foreskin) -- an outward sign -- but primarily in the new testament a spiritual awakening -- an inward change of the heart, wherein, rather than being cut off, we are instead grafted in, as in circumcision of the heart.
This is not to suggest the old testament doesn't relate circumcision of the heart with the promised land and/or life, because in some places a comparison is made. (Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4) But as Jesus clearly said to those who followed the traditions of men, "Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." (Matthew 23:28)
Apostle Paul puts it this way: "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:28-30)
Hebrews 9 offers even further clarity, distinguishing between the physical under the old covenant and the spiritual in the new. For example, the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; and over it the cherubim's of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly." (Hebrews 9:1-5)
As we also know from the Old Testament, the priests went into the first tabernacle to accomplish the service of God. However, only the high priest went alone into the second (the inner chamber) with blood once a year. The blood was offered for both himself and the errors of the people. (Hebrews 9:6-8) Why? Because the Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest -- while the first tabernacle was yet standing. As we are aware, the first covenant was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices -- that could not make him that did the service perfect, when it comes to our conscience, which then only stood in meats and drinks, diverse washings and carnal ordinances. (Hebrews 9:6-10) These acts and sacrifices to be imposed upon them -only until the time of reformation.
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So what significance :does the reformation have? In the scriptures, the reformation was the time when Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood; He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:12)
The question being, how much more shall the blood of Christ - who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? The answer - "for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives." (Hebrews 9:14-17)
Again, representing the physical it's important to understand that neither the first [testament/covenant] was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover He sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."
Therefore, as the scriptures state, it was necessary for God to pattern the things in the new testament after the old covenant so that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with better sacrifices than these. (Hebrews 9:18-23)
Do you see what is happening? "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; [for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world]: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:24-26)
As we also know from the Old Testament, the priests went into the first tabernacle to accomplish the service of God. However, only the high priest went alone into the second (the inner chamber) with blood once a year. The blood was offered for both himself and the errors of the people. (Hebrews 9:6-8) Why? Because the Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest -- while the first tabernacle was yet standing. As we are aware, the first covenant was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices -- that could not make him that did the service perfect, when it comes to our conscience, which then only stood in meats and drinks, diverse washings and carnal ordinances. (Hebrews 9:6-10) These acts and sacrifices to be imposed upon them -only until the time of reformation.
:
So what significance :does the reformation have? In the scriptures, the reformation was the time when Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood; He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:12)
The question being, how much more shall the blood of Christ - who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? The answer - "for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives." (Hebrews 9:14-17)
Again, representing the physical it's important to understand that neither the first [testament/covenant] was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover He sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."
Therefore, as the scriptures state, it was necessary for God to pattern the things in the new testament after the old covenant so that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with better sacrifices than these. (Hebrews 9:18-23)
Do you see what is happening? "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; [for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world]: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:24-26)
In other words. God allowed His flesh body (sin-prone and yet without sin) to become the sacrifice on the cross so that we might find abundant life in Him -- patterned after the Genesis 17 account of God's renewed covenant promise to Abraham. Remember, Abraham was before Moses, and similarly, the Mosaic law. Many believers don't consider this timeline -- one of the reasons for so much confusion even today -- between the law and grace.
Some point to John the baptizer, Saul and Jesus who were circumcised as justification, and to argue forcefully that Gentiles should be physically circumcised too. (Luke 1:59; Luke 2:21 Philippians 3:5 ) But as we see in Antioch, uncircumcised Gentiles also received the gift (outpouring) of the Holy Ghost, as prophesied afore. (Joel 2:28; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 36:25-27; Acts 2:17, 28, 36-41) Peter eventually resolves the matter, declaring openly that those who believe in Jesus as both Lord and Christ (an inward change of heart|) and are then water baptized in His precious, holy name receive salvation. (Acts 15:1-5; Acts 15:8-13; Acts 2:36-41)
Apostle Paul, Barnabas and James later confirm the same message -- agreeing the four additional instructions to the Gentiles seemed good to the Holy Ghost. (Acts 15:13-21; Acts 21:18-26; Galatians 2:3; Galatians 1:5-6) But I digress.
The first reference to circumcision of the hearts came in Deuteronomy 10:16 -- when the Lord declared who He was to the Israelites. Herein, they were instructed to circumcise their heart, and to love the Lord thy God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love to love one another. But when we understand the Israelites journey, we also begin to understand the need for a new covenant -- or as Jesus said, "Ye shall know them by their love!"
And thus, as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27-28)
Returning to scriptural examples of physical -- "And He gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs." (Acts 7:8)
"... that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace!" (Ephesians 2:12-15)
The "covenants of promise!" (Ephesians 2:12)
" ... 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:" (Colossians 2:11)
" ... and Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me." (Colossians 4:11)
The Lord from heaven -- Jesus was patterned after the physical Abraham -- ushering in physical circumcision in the former and in the latter, circumcision of the heart. Another way to look at this is in the example of Peter, when he came to Jerusalem. They that were of the circumcision contended with Peter, saying, "Thou went into men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them." (Acts 11:1-2)
Conversely, another new testament example of the division between the new and the old is when we see the pouring out of the new wine on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4;36-41) In another place, "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 10:45)
It is no wonder the circumcision (the Israelites) marveled at those who were not circumcised (the Gentiles or non-Jews) when they received the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47)
Stepping back to the time when Jesus walked this earth, circumcision was raised often, particularly when He was challenged by the Jews. Still, Jesus reminded them -- "Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at Me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:22-24)
Also noteworthy is how those of the Circumcision and those of the Uncircumcision are identified. For example, take a look at apostle Paul's summation - when writing to the saints and churches in Ephesus: "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;" (Ephesians 2:11) Translated, those who are Gentiles (non-Israelites) are the uncircumcision and those of the circumcision would be the Jews.
|But now in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:12)
Apostle Paul takes this premise further when he asks, "What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision?" (Romans 3:1) Herein, Paul elaborates on our understanding of outwardly (physical) and inwardly (spiritual).
"For circumcision verily profits, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:25-29)
Paul asks even more questions: "Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised." (Romans 4:9)
" ... seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith." (Romans 3:30)
" ... seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith." (Romans 3:30)
Paul further distinguishes his beloved ministry from Peter -- in that he says, the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (which he received by faith) was committed unto him for the uncircumcised, and Peter, to the circumcised.
"... but contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (for He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles) and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision." (Galatians 2:7-9, 12)
"... but contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (for He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles) and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision." (Galatians 2:7-9, 12)
And the promised land to come? "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." (Colossians 3:11)
"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? ... And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased." (Galatians 5:5-11)
There is much more to understand herein, but for now, let it suffice to know that "we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." (Philippians 3:3)
Stand in the offering plate.
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