Expert: Scott Talbot - 8/1/2005

Question
Thanks for a quick and good response! It is very helpful, but I would still like to dig a little deeper. I like to look for the metaphors that God has given us to understand some of His plan and relationship with us. It is helpful for the way I think to relate in this way. For example, one is marriage representing Christ's relationship with the church. It's not a perfect metaphor, but I like to examine the marriage relationship and the love in it to see what someone's love for Jesus may look like. Then use that to examine my own heart. With "circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit" I want to compare how the physically circumcised male appears and operates differently to how the circumcised heart appears and operates differently. I have trouble making any comparison, and am a little embarassed to talk in detail about this with others (hence my turning to allexperts).

One comparison is how they are both changes.
Another is how they are signs of being God's choosen.
Another might be how they both seem unreasonable and painful to man, but are required by God.

I may be trying to read too deeply into the metaphor, but I was wondering if there is anymore you could think of. Or in contrast, let me know if you think metaphors are not meant to be examined this closely and are just useful for general understanding. Thanks!



-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Today in church the pastor mentioned about how Timothy was
circumcized to not cause his Jewish brothers to stumble as he
ministers to them. This lead me to think about Acts 15
mentioning that physical circumcision is no longer necessary,
but circumcision by the spirit is required for salvation. I then
thought back to the origin of circumcision as Abraham's
covenant with God. My question is a little embarassing for me to
ask, but I wanted to know what is the significance between how
the uncircumcized and circumcized are physically different. What
differences occur in sexual and nonsexual operation? How is this
a metaphor of salvation through Christ (with circumcision
spiritually instead of physically). And if you have any ideas, what
might all this teach us about the character of God and his plan?
Answer -
Excellent question, Andrew!

There's a lot of theology related to this issue. I will try to answer your question succinctly. Then we can dig more deeply, if you would like to do so.

First, let's define circumcision. Circumcision is the removal of the male foreskin. Today it's performed regularly on male infants (at least in the United States) for health reasons. When God instituted circumcision with Abraham, it was one way for Him to identify His chosen people, and to challenge their commitment to Him.

The key issue is that circumcision was an outward way of identifying one who made a conscious decision to commit to God.

When Jesus Christ came, He fulfilled the Mosaic Law and satisfied its requirements, thus doing away with it. We now live under grace, and are no longer bound by the Law. The fact is, the Law never had the power to save, because no one (except Jesus Christ) was able to fully keep the Law. Rather, it was given to teach us that we cannot keep the Law, and therefore need to rely on the perfection of Jesus Christ rather than our own imperfection. (See Galatians 3:6-14, 24.)

Read also Romans 2:25-29. While the Law (including the requirement for physical circumcision) has been removed, God still likens our relationship with God to "circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit." This is simply a way of saying that our decision to commit to God, to belong to Him, is an internal reality, one that is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, that can be observed by God.

What does this teach us about the character of God? A lot! First, the Law demonstrates His holy, righteous nature and His demand for absolute perfection. The free offer of salvation through Jesus Christ demonstrates His immense mercy, grace, and love. And His plan, as it is carried out through the ages, is focused on the glory and inexplicable worth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In closing, let me ask you the question that I ask most who write to me. Have you received God's free gift of salvation by placing your complete trust in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross by serving your death sentence in your place? According to Romans 10:9-10, 13, it's as easy as confessing to God that you're a sinner (imperfect, unable to measure up to His standards of perfection), that you understand that Jesus, being perfect, WAS able to satisfy God's requirements of perfection, ... that, in doing so, He alone is able to serve your sentence for you (which He willingly did), and that His death will satisfy God the Father, the righteous judge, ... IF you claim it and willingly accept it on your behalf. This involves merely calling out to God and telling Him that you want to receive His offer of salvation made possible through Jesus Christ.

I encourage you to write back with any further questions. I'm here to help.

Scott

Answer
I think we need to be careful of reading too much into a symbol, as you said. But the comparisons you made are, I believe, valid.

Some additional similarities that I see include:  A putting away of the old; A point-in-time action; A decision which may seem difficult at first glance, but which turns out to be easier than expected; A new identity; A sign of belongingness.

We could continue brainstorming on this, because I'm sure there are other points of comparison. We may get to the point, however, where we find ourselves making things up. :^)  

I hope this helps.

Scott