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The Ritual Of Circumcision

Text: Colossians 2:11

The rite of circumcision was a very special sign that God graciously gave to Abraham to seal the everlasting Covenant made with him (Genesis 17:1-14). Baby Jesus was duly circumcised when He was eight days old (Luke 2:21). The apostle Paul revealed the significance of Christ’s circumcision in the following text.

“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision
made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins
of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.”
Colossians 2:11

1. “In Him”

a) This phrase was used frequently in Paul’s epistle to the Colossians.

b) The pronoun “Him” is a reference to the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. “The Circumcision of Christ”

a) This reference is found at the end of the sentence.

b) This is a specific reference to the circumcision of Christ (Luke 2:21).

3. Significance of the Circumcision of Christ

a) Personal significance

i) Jesus had to be circumcised under the Abrahamic Covenant.

ii) He had to fulfil all the requirements of the law.

b) Theological significance

i) It affects all believers who have placed their faith in Jesus.

ii) They have a special spiritual union with Christ.

iii) And this includes the significance of His circumcision.

c) Spiritual circumcision

i) This is symbolised by Christ’s circumcision.

ii) It is called “a circumcision made without hands”.

d) Symbolic significance

i) It is putting off the body of the sins of the flesh.

ii) We do not need to have physical circumcision.

iii) Spiritual-symbolic circumcision has taken place for all believers in Christ.

iv) The connection is to be found in the circumcision of Jesus! (This astute observation can come only through revelation from God to the apostle Paul!)