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Philippians 3 - True Circumcision
Philippians 3 - True Circumcision
Circumcision of the male descendants of Abraham was part of the responsibility of the covenant that God made with him (cp. Again Genesis 17). The importance of this can be seen in God’s dealing with Moses who had NOT done this for his children (Exodus 4:24-26). It was then made part of the covenant with Israel given through Moses (Lev. 12:2-3).
Yet, such was seen in the New Testament to be yet another type and shadow of the true part of discipleship. Physical circumcision of the old has changed now to the ‘circumcision made without hands’: “…and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;…” (Colossians 2:11).
Such however was the ‘real circumcision’ even of the Old Covenant: "So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer.” (Deut. 10:16) “Moreover the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.” (Deut. 30:6)
This circumcision is the putting off of our old self – the whole self, the very mind of self. This is not just for the male disciples, but for women also! ALL disciples.
Thus, physical circumcision is now ‘nothing’ as far as our discipleship is concerned. BUT this circumcision of the heart (the whole being of a person – mind, emotions, etc.). We put off the old man and put on the new man.
WHEN does this circumcision begin? When we by faith having repented are baptized into Christ. Yet, while it begins here, it continues as a process of our growth as disciples, our putting off of our old manner of life, our becoming more and more like Jesus. While such baptism is the beginning of such a relationship, a relationship that includes our being forgiven of our sins, it is NOT the end. We spend the rest of our earthly life growing in holiness and godliness. THAT is our mark of the true circumcision – we who “worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” (Phil. 3:3).
Does this describe YOUR discipleship?
Hugh DeLong
