THE PROMISE AND CIRCUMCISION A CERTAIN GOD Abraham

THE PROMISE AND CIRCUMCISION A CERTAIN GOD

Abraham was 99 / Sarah was 90 Circumcision given as a sign of the covenant Ishmael will not be the child of the covenant, but a son from Sarah THE CIRCUMCISION COMMAND TO ABRAHAM

Why do we need a sign of the covenant? It is an act of obedience to seal our side of the commitment. What costs you nothing is worth nothing. It is distinct reference point in life that marks us out. GOD’S PROMISE COMES WITH CIRCUMCISION AS A SIGN OF THE COVENANT.

Deuteronomy 30 6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. THE OUTWARD SIGN OF THE COVENANT LEADS US TO THE INWARD REALITY OF A CIRCUMCISED HEART, …

Romans 2 28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

The early church: the Traditional Christian vs the Conservative Christian THE OUTWARD SIGN OF THE COVENANT LEADS US TO THE INWARD REALITY OF A CIRCUMCISED HEART, WHICH IS A NEW CREATION, …

Galatians 6 11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 12

Galatians 6 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Galatians 6 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.

Focus: “What counts is the new creation. ” 2 Corinthians 5 17 If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Galatians 6 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.

The story of the new birth THE OUTWARD SIGN OF THE COVENANT LEADS US TO THE INWARD REALITY OF A CIRCUMCISED HEART, WHICH IS A NEW CREATION, WHICH IS A NEW BIRTH

John 3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him. ”

3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ”

4 “How can someone be born when they are old? ” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again. ’

Galatians 6 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Matthew 21 31 … Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. SO…