THE BIBLE AND THE RELIGIOUS USES AND SYMBOLISM OF SALT

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND THE RELIGIOUS USES

 AND SYMBOLISM OF SALT

Presented by: Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: Lev. 2:13; 2kgs 2:18-22; Matt. 5:13

INTRODUCTION:

             Salt, is a mineral consisting primarily of Sodium Chloride, a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of salts... Salt has long been used for flavouring and preserving food. It has also been used in tanning, dyeing and bleaching, and the production of pottery, soap and chlorine. Today, salt is widely used in the chemical industry. Salt, equally, has various religious uses and symbolism, which this lesson is poised to x-ray. For instance, in the Old Testament, salt is used as part of the items of grain offering {Lev. 2:13} and animal sacrifice {Ezek. 43:24}. Whereas, in the New Testament, it is used to symbolise character {Matt. 5:13} and conduct {Col. 4:6}. In the words of Wycliffe, believers are a restraint upon the world of corruption, since unbelievers are often kept from evil deeds because of the moral consciousness traceable to Christian influence, as JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR describes the believer as the salt of the earth, {Matt. 5:13}

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       In the Old Testament, salt is used in the Levitical offering {Lev. 2:13} and sacrifice {Ezek. 43:24}

(2)       In the Old Testament, also, salt is used in the rite of covenant, {Num. 13:19}

(3)       In the New Testament, salt is used to symbolise godly character, {Matt. 5:13}

(4)       In the New Testament, as well, salt represents holy conduct, {col. 4:6}

RELIGIOUS USES OF SALT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

The religious uses of salt in the Old Testament were directed towards the ceremonial law in that era, as the LORD spoke to them in the expression, “Every oblation of your meat offering shall be seasoned with salt. Neither shall you allow the salt of the covenant of your GOD to be lacking from your meat offering: with all your offering, you shall offer salt,” {Lev. 2:13}. The cited Scripture obviously indicates two uses of salt at that time, namely; for seasoning of offering and for covenant rite, thus, the era had the established fact of “covenant of salt,” as narrated in the expression, “all the heave offerings of the holy things; which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD; have I given you, and your sons and your daughters, with you, by a statute forever: it is a covenant of salt forever before the LORD to you, and to your seed with you,” {Num. 18:19}

Another outstanding religious use of salt in the Old Testament was for the healing of water and barren land, which narrates that, ... the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, we pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seethe; but the water is not and the ground barren, and he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt in it. And they brought it to him. And he went to the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in it, and said, thus said the LORD, I have healed these waters, there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. So, the waters were healed till this day, according to the word of Elisha,” {2 Kings 2:19-22}. In summary, therefore, in the Old Testament religious era, salt was used for:

(i)                    Seasoning of offerings and sealing of covenants, {Lev. 2:13; 2 Chr. 13:5}

(ii)                  Healing of water and barren land, {2 Kings 2:19-22}

(iii)                 Show of victory over a conquered land, {Judges 9:45}.

And, note that the Old Testament religious uses of salt is not transferable to the New Testament era, as every ceremonial

Law of Moses had been abolished, since the day JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR was sacrificed on the Cross of Calvary, for

the remission of the sins of mankind, {Heb. 10:1-10}

SYMBOLISM OF SALT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

        In the New Testament, salt is used to symbolise character, and never for religious ceremonial purposes. This, JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR shows when HE says, “you are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its taste; how shall it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of men,” {Matt. 5:13}. Here, our BLESSED LORD figuratively pictures the godly character which those who claim to be religious should demonstrate, citing that, it would be meaningless if those who profess to be godly, to be found the opposite of what they confess. Similarly, the Apostle Paul highlights on the quality of good conduct that should characterise the speech of one whose life is seasoned with salt, as he says, “Let your speech be always with grace; seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man,” {Col. 4:6}. Furthermore, the cited Scripture is a text, from which one can equally deduce that the grace of good behaviour is always by DIVINE seasoning of one’s life, with the “gracious salt” of the HOLY SPIRIT, thus, salt, also can symbolise the Grace of GOD, which empowers the believer for good character {Matt. 5:13} and conduct, {Col. 4:6}. Therefore, in the New Testament, there is:

(i)        No place for the ceremonial use of salt, but points to the believer as the salt that should characterise good moral behaviour, {Matt. 5:13}

(ii)      Never a place in the same testament, where the apostles were asked to use salt for prayer or for other religious purposes,

but were enjoined to be of godly conduct, as the salt of the earth, which they symbolise, {vs 13}

(iii)     The call to manifest good conduct in the speech of the believer, as enforced by the Grace of GOD, {Col. 4:6}

THE BELIEVER AS THE SALT OF THE EARTH

The “believers,” who were first branded “Christians” at Antioch {Acts. 11:20} demonstrate the saltiness that Christians should characterise on earth. Believers in CHRIST, in ideal situation, are the moral conscience of society, and so, should manifest the real taste of godly life, in family, church, community, business, civil and public life. In family, they should be godly models, to children, wives, husbands and parents. In the church, they should be examples of believers. In community, they should be the epistle people read and cite as models to copy. In business, they should be symbols of contentment, devoid of every form of greed. In civil and public life, they should be worthy people of trust.

Without mincing words, the foregoing, form part of the grand design of our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, when HE says, “you are the salt of the earth” {Matt. 5:13A}, And, the fact of lack of biblical family life, moral decadence among church members, careless lifestyle in communities, dishonesty in business, embezzlement in civil and public services, which Christians are today involved, equally confirms the foresightedness of the LORD, as HE concludes by saying, ...“but if the salt have lost its taste, where then shall it be salted? – it is then good for nothing; but to be cast out for men to march on it,” {vs. 13B-C}. This, therefore, is a call to sober reflection, for the believer, to ascertain, if he is yet salty or saltless, as the lesson, finally asserts that the:

(i)                    Believers as the salt of the earth is the moral influence of society, for godly life, {Matt. 5:13}

(ii)                  Failure of moral uprightness in the life of the believer shows that the lost of saltiness is in place, {vs. 13}

In conclusion, this lesson is a clarification of the biblical truth that, the ceremonial religious use of salt in the Old Testament, is not the order in both the New Testament era, and in the present day Christianity, but that Christians should always reflect godly character and conduct, as the salt of the earth. PLEASE, PRAY FOR THE GRACE OF GOD!

THE BIBLE AND HUMAN TRADITION

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND HUMAN TRADITION

Presented by: Nightangale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: Matt. 15:1-9

INTRODUCTION:

            By way of definition, a ‘tradition’ is people’s cultural ways of doing things, which, also, is a gift from GOD, designed to serve good purposes, as well as promotes behavioural harmony in society. According to the New Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language, a tradition is a cultural continuity transmitted in form of social attitudes, beliefs, principles and conventions of behaviour... But, when a tradition becomes alien to the WORD of GOD, it becomes everything undesirable. In the scriptural text of this lesson, JESUS CHRIST our BLESSED LORD and GREAT KING observes that the Jewish scribes and the Pharisee religious group of HIS days put their tradition above the WORD of GOD, as HE remarks that they ...”made the commandment of  GOD of none effect by their tradition”,(Matt. 15:6).

             Nowadays, too, many countries of the world frame their constitutions from traditions contrary to the WORD of WORD, instead of striking a harmony. Also, the cultural ethoses which govern the institutions, religions, philosophies and pattern of thought of most communities in today’s world are designed to breech the WORD of GOD. For instance, it is the verdict of the HOLY WORD of GOD that gay marriage is evil, but the constitutions of most countries of the world uphold the legality of such a scripturally condemned abomination. And, in most present day communities, their  biblical rules of marriage, cultural festivities and ways of behaviour are clearly stipulated in violation of the Holy Scripture, thus, making the WORD of GOD of none effect in their domains.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       As a people under the covenant of GOD, the LORD expected the Pharisees to have framed their tradition

in line with HIS WORD,(Matt. 15:1-6)

(2)       As the GOD of all nations and ages, HE still expects peoples of all countries of the world to frame their tradition

 in keeping with the tenets of HIS WORD,(vs1-6)

(3)       The LORD GOD of universe constantly frowns at every tradition in the world which is not framed

in keeping with HIS HOLY WORD,(vs. 1-6)

(4)       Every country or nation, community or institution, in the world which frame their tradition in violation

of GOD’S WORD stands the risk of eternal damnation,(Psalm 17:9)

HUMAN TRADITION AS A GIFT FROM GOD

Human tradition is a good gift, as well as a blessing from GOD, the GREAT LORD of Heaven and Earth. But, just as Satan, the man of sin, polluted everything on earth, human tradition was corrupted in the same order. Human tradition was given to transmit a holy social order, attitudes, beliefs, principles, and conventions of behaviour that would promote the Glory of GOD in human society which the Law of Moses was designed to restore, since, by the advent of sin, every human tradition was adversely affected. Even, the Jewish community which was chosen and set apart by GOD, to serve as a holy model for social order, was again drawn into the mess of traditional pollution, which compromised the WORD of GOD, in favour of human tradition, {Mat. 15:6}. This, by the verdict of our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, becomes understandably correct that human tradition:

(i)                    Should not contradict the WORD of OGD, {vs. 6}

(ii)                  Should not be obeyed or adhered to, where it contradicts the WORD of GOD, {vs. 6}

(iii)                 Becomes a curse, instead of the blessing GOD intends it to be, where it contradicts the WORD of GOD, {vs. 6}

HUMAN TRADITION AND VIOLATION OF GOD’S HOLY STANDARDS IN SOCIETY

Human society is known for clear violation of GOD’s HOLY STANDARDS, by means of tradition, everywhere, in the world, which they showcase through festivals, folklore, religion, education and general cultural behaviour. And, it is obvious that the constitutions of most societies on earth, written or unwritten, and code of conduct reflects this truth. Today, in some communities, GOD’S blessings of agricultural produce attract festivals in honour of gods of the land, instead of praises to the GOD of Heaven and Earth, as in some countries, legislations that promote outright prohibition of the use of GOD’S  Holy Book, the Bible or compromised truth of the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, the SON of the LIVING GOD hold sway, as in the case of China, where churches are demolished, and Bible confiscated, by the regime of Xi Linping, as a way of stopping the Christian Faith, which is a determination to set aside GOD’S HOLY STANDARDS in that region of the world. Similarly, before the restoration of the Student Public Prayer in the United States public schools, on January 16 2020, by President Donald Trump, the Supreme Court of that country had on June 17, 1963 placed a ban on sponsored prayer and Bible readings in their public schools, which is better described as a ban on GOD and faith. The list is endless! But, be sure you:

(i)        Do not become a party to any legislation that violates the WORD OF GOD in your country or community

in the name of tradition, {Matt.15:6}

(ii)      Say no, when men try to force you into any tradition that betrays GOD  and his HOLY WORD, {Acts 5:29}

(iii)     Shun any festival or ceremony that honour the gods of the land, instead of the Almighty GOD, {Ex. 20:3}

HUMAN TRADITION AND MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Human traditions are always at variance with GOD’S WORD and Christian faith, anywhere, in the world, for the fact that they are often framed from the vantage of the depraved nature of the unredeemed mankind, who do not consider GOD in their affairs, or think of the implication of dying a Christ-less death. Furthermore, human tradition which is also defined as, “a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time”... can be based on godless ethos, or the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the belief, customs or practices of a people,” that are inspired by spirit alienated from GOD. And, no doubt, these are the reasons for the anti-GOD and the Bible, in most traditions of the world. For instance, the scriptural injunctions, “you shall not make any cutting in your flesh for the dead” ... {Lev. 19:28} is, traditionally, the practise of most people on earth. And, members of the Christian church should not by any means be part of this defiling and damaging practice, or get involved in other harsh traditions which, brand certain members of the society, outcast, or subject widows to inhuman treatment, in suspicion that they  may have had a hand in the death of their husbands. They should equally not be involved in marrying for the dead, or keep any day of the week sacred {in Igbo community eke, afo, orie, nkwo} in respect to gods of the land, as well as, shun any honour of such gods. In summary, members of the Christian church, by this lesson, should not allow themselves to:

(i)        Bear idol marks for the dead on their bodies, or any of such things, in the name of tradition, {Lev. 19:28}

(ii)      Be deceived by those who claim that the cited stipulations of the Bible are for the Jews and not Christians,

as the moral laws of the LORD are for people of all ages, Christians and non-Christians, {Ex. 20:1-6}.

In conclusion, please, be reminded that Human tradition is a blessing from the LORD GOD of Heaven and Earth, and should have remained a blessing, if not for the pollution of Satan and his demonic kingdom that turned it into a deadly curse, since GOD  will not bless or partake in anything mingled with anything from the devil. And, for your information, CHRIST JESUS our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR, is the centre for Godly traditions to everyone who believes. BEWARE OF IDOL!

THE BIBLE AND FALSE BRETHREN

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND FALSE BRETHREN

Presented by Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: Gal. 2:2-5

INTRODUCTION:

             By way of explanation, something is “false,” when it is not true or real. And, one is “false,” when one is deceitful, unfaithful and not genuine. In this connection, the writer gives the meaning of “false brethren” as those brethren in the Church of CHRIST, who are not real or true to the Christian faith, and are always in deceitful and unfaithful behaviour. False brethren are not restricted to the laity, but extend to the clergy, since every rank and file of the Christian Church, are basically referred to, as brethren.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       False brethren are always found in the church, {2 Cor. 11:26}

(2)       False brethren are often brought into the church unawares, {Gal. 2:4}

(3)       False brethren come to the church to spy out the liberty of Christians in CHRIST JESUS, {vs. 4}

(4)       False brethren make efforts to bring Christians back to bondage, {vs. 4}

(5)       False brethren should not be given any opportunity to carry out their evil mission in the church, {vs. 4-5}

FALSE BRETHREN AND OPPOSITION IN THE CHURCH

False brethren are opposition members of the church. They are never heart and spirit members of the church, as they are always in the church on nominal status. False brethren are hypocrites and actors, who pretend to be Christians, but are not, as well as constitute part, if not the major dangers the church and the ministers of GOD face in the field of the Gospel. False brethren are mentioned, by the Apostle Paul, as part of the threats he encountered in his missionary journey, in his second letter to the Corinthian Church, {2 Cor. 11:26}. Doctrinally, too, false brethren, always oppose the truth of the Gospel of Grace, in their attempt to bring the people back to bondage. To this end, the Apostle Paul, equally, remarks that, ... “because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in secretly to spy out our liberty which we have in CHRIST JESUS, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you,” {Gal. 2:4-5}. Doctor Luke, also, observes that, the gospel of the Apostle and Barnabas, which was not based on the outward circumcision (Gen. 17:9-13), but on the inward circumcision of the heart {Rom. 2:28-29} was opposed by ... certain men which came down from Judah, and taught the brethren, and said, Except you be circumcised, after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved, whom Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with,” ... {Acts 15:1-2}, and so, the truth stands that, false brethren:

(i)                    Constitute dangers to the church and the ministers of the gospel, {2 Cor. 11:26}

(ii)                  Oppose the truth of the gospel of Grace to bring people back to bondage, {Gal. 2:4-5}

(iii)                 Should be checked and stopped, whenever the come-up with the doctrines that oppose

 the truth of the Gospel, {vs. 2-4; Acts 15:1-2}

FALSE BRETHREN AND FALSEHOOD

False brethren do not possess the spirit of truth, but that of falsehood. The Apostle John identifies them, when he says, “they are of the world. Therefore, they speak as of the world, and the world hears them,” {1 John 4:5}. Also, in an attempt to distinguish them from true brethren, he equally says, “we are of GOD. He who knows GOD hears us, he who is not of GOD does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” {vs. 6}, which implies that two classes of people congregate in the church; those born of GOD and those not born of GOD, {1 John 3:9-10}. One good example in support of what is so far said, is the case of Ananias and Sapphira, his wife, who were really in church, but were people of falsehood {Acts 5:1-10}, who did not understand that, ... “no lie is of the truth” {1 John 2:21B}.

False brethren never abide by the truth. They are the lying group, by which the church is ridiculed, as well as the sex predators that hunt both male and female members of the Body of CHRIST. In business, false brethren are the partners that are never faithful. In communities, they are the opposite of the morality of the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR. In civil and public services, false brethren are, equally, never found worthy ambassadors of CHRIST and the church, as they will always hide under the cloak of religion, to betray the trust reposed in them. And, in the pastorate, false brethren are well kown for the distortion of the truth, in search of ways to make merchandise of the gospel, for personal gains. The foregoing, therefore, make it proper to state that false brethren are:

(i)                    Of the world and not of GOD, {1 John 4:5}

(ii)                  People of falsehood and not of the truth, {Acts 5:1-10}

(iii)                 Lovers of the world and not lovers of GOD, {1 John 2:15-17}

FALSE BRETHREN AND THE FINAL JUDGEMENT

False brethren should come to terms with the biblical truth that, ... the LORD who delivered HIS people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe, and keeps in chain the angels who did not keep their positions of authority, for judgement at the last day, as well as destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns, for sexual immorality, as examples of external punishment, will definitely, bring to judgment, at the last day, all those who are not real, to the faith of JESUS CHRIST our BLESSED LORD and REDEEMER, if they fail to repent, {Jude 5-7}. This is why it is very dangerous to fake the Christian faith, which one professes to be part of.

False brethren are pretenders, with a hypocritical approach to worship and service of GOD, to whom JESUS CHRIST our BLESSED LORD and SAVIOUR says, their hearts are far from HIM, as well as worship HIM in vain, {Matt. 15:7-8}. This means that false brethren, as false worshippers, worship and serve GOD for nothing, since all their personal gains, earned through human antics will, but force them into the place of eternal poverty and torments, where they will lack, even a drop of water, {Luke 16:19-26}. And so, false brethren, by this, should note that:

(i)        It is a hard service to serve GOD in falsehood, {Jude 5-7}

(ii)      Endless regret awaits them, if they fail to repent now, {Luke 16:19-20}.

(iii)     All their works are recorded against the day of judgement, {Rev. 20:11-15}

   In conclusion, please, take to heart that false brethren have demonic imprint in their souls, but wear the toga of the Christian faith outwardly. In other words, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing {Matt. 7:15} who constitute the major threats faced by the Church of CHRIST, anywhere in the world, as the only remedy to their problems is giving them no chance, {Gal.2:4-5}. BEWARE OF FALSE BRETHREN!

Church of:

THE HOLY GHOST MISSION

THE BIBLE AND CIRCUMCISION

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND CIRCUMCISION

Presented by: Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: Gen 17:9-27

INTRODUCTION:

            According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica 2008, “circumcision is a Jewish rite performed on male infants as a sign of inclusion in the covenant between GOD and Abraham, which is a biblical reference to GOD’S instruction to Abraham when HE says ... “As for you, you must keep MY COVENANT, you and your descendants after you, for the generations to come. This is MY COVENANT with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep. Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between ME and you,” {Gen. 17:9-11}. Worthy of note in the cited passage of the Scripture is that, circumcision is exclusively for the male folks, and not for the female persons, and so, female circumcision is against the WILL of GOD, and should not be practised, {vs. 10}

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       Circumcision is the sign of the covenant between GOD and Abraham, {Gen. 17:7-11}

(2)       Circumcision is, as well, the rite of inclusion of the Jews into the covenant, {vs. 7-11}

(3)       Circumcision is performed on the foreskin of the Jewish male individuals, and not for the female persons, {vs. 7-11}

(4)       There is, also. the circumcision of the heart, which is performed by the HOLY SPIRIT in the heart of those who believe

in CHRIST, Jews or Gentiles, irrespective of gender, {Rom. 2:28-29; Col. 2:10-11}

CIRCUMCISION OF ABRAHAM AND THE JEWISH NATION

             Pointedly, the Jewish nation comes under the Abrahamic rite of circumcision, which is a sign of inclusion in his covenant with the LORD GOD of heaven and earth. But, this extends to strangers bought by Abraham, or those bought by strangers owned by Abraham, and should be a practice for all generations, {Gen. 17:12-13}. However, the inclusion of strangers, and those owned by the strangers, as linked to Abraham shows that circumcision is not designed for Jewish nation alone, but for people of all nations of the world, who would come, or make the choice to come under the covenant of the GOD of Abraham.

                        By way of information, Judaism is not alone in the practice of circumcision, as Islam, which also has a link to Abraham through Ishmael, is part of the rite. According to our source, Khitan or Khatna is the Islamic term for circumcision, carried out as a recommended practice of Islamic culture by Muslims. Male circumcision is widespread in the Muslim world, and accepted as an established practice by all Islamic schools of jurisprudence. In furtherance, it is important to note, also, that both the Bible and Koran, as well as Judaism and Islam hold that circumcision is for male folks and not for the female persons, as instructed by the LORD, the GOD of all creations, and deduced by the visible fact that, “boys are born with a hood of skin, called the foreskin, covering the head {also called the glans} of the penis, which is absent in girls. This, therefore, affirms that circumcision was:

(i)                    Introduced first to the core Jewish community, under Judaism {Gen. 17:9-11}

(ii)                  Extended to strangers and those owned by the strangers converted to Judaism {vs. 12-13}

(iii)                 Considered for other nations through the motherhood of Sarah, {vs. 15-19}.

CIRCUMCISION OF ABRAHAM AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

            According to the Bible, in Abrahamic rite of circumcision, boys of all generations of the Jewish descent are required to undergo a surgical removal of the foreskin, which is the skin covering the top of the penis, as a sign of inclusion in the covenant between GOD and Abraham {Gen. 17:9-11}, but does not say, it is a manifestation of righteousness, since, it remarks that ... “faith {not circumcision} was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised, {Rom. 4:9B-10}. Therefore, if the righteousness of Abraham was before circumcision, and based on faith, it then means that the religious rite of circumcision is but, a physical identity of the covenant, whereas, righteousness is a gift of good behaviour which is spiritually imparted by God, and can be manifest in religious and non-religious person. But, man’s righteousness without CHRIST is but, filthy rags before the LORD, our GREAT GOD of Heaven and Earth, {Isa. 64:6}. For, CHRIST is the end of the law, for righteousness to everyone who believes {Rom. 10:4}. And, notice once again that, Abraham received the sign of circumcision, which is a seal of righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised {Rom. 4:11}, which shows that:

(i)                    Circumcision does not impart righteousness, but faith does, {vs. 11}

(ii)                  Righteousness comes by faith in CHRIST alone and not by circumcision or the law {Rom. 10:4}

(iii)                 Abraham is the father of all who believe but have-not been circumcised, as well as the father

 of those who are circumcised and walk in footsteps of faith, {Rom. 4:11-12}

BELIEVERS IN CHRIST AND THE CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART

The Scripture is very obvious that the believer ...“is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew, who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the SPIRIT, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from GOD,” {Rom. 2:28-29}. For, we are the circumcision who worship GOD in the SPIRIT, rejoice in CHRIST JESUS, and have no confidence in the flesh” {Phil. 3:3}, who, “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,” {Col. 2:11}.

And, be informed that, in CHRIST, both the circumcised {Jews} and the uncircumcised {Gentiles} are brought together by faith. Thus, the Bible says, “Is anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Is anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. For, in CHRIST JESUS, circumcision is nothing and un-circumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of GOD is what matters. So, let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called, whether as circumcised or uncircumcised, {1 Cor. 7:18-20}. To this end, therefore, this lesson opines that:

(i)                    The outward circumcision of the Abrahamic covenant should not be rejected, though

 it was not designed for salvation {Gen. 17:9-11}

(ii)                  The inward circumcision, which is the work of the HOLY SPIRIT in the heart of the believer, is GOD’S

 work of salvation, and should be cherished above the outward circumcision, {Rom. 2:28-29}

(iii)                 Both the Jews of the outward circumcision and the Gentiles of the inward circumcision are brought together

as a united member of GOD’S family in CHRIST JESUS our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR, {1 Cor. 7:18-20}

  In conclusion, please recall that, circumcision, which is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis of the male child, is a rite of inclusion of members of the Jewish community into the covenant of GOD and Abraham, but was not designed to impart righteousness, as righteousness is only obtainable by faith. Worthy of note, also, is that the outward circumcision of the Abrahamic covenant is a foreshadow of the inward circumcision of the HOLY SPIRIT, in the heart of the believer, which includes him as a member of GOD’S family, as well as, empowers him to live righteously in CHRIST JESUS our BLESSED LORD and SAVIOUR. Therefore, just as the Holy Scripture says that, the outward circumcision is for all generations {Gen. 17:9-13}, we should always ask the LORD our GREAT GOD and REDEEMER for the inward circumcision, for ourselves and the people of all generations, {Rom. 2:28-29}. PLEASE, PRAY FOR THE SALVATION OF MANKIND!