Why did Paul say this was not a requirement for Christians?
2007-01-06 10:13:00 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Circumcision of the Heart
The New Testament describes Christians (I believe in Hebrews (of course)) as being Circumcised of the Heart, not of the body, since they were not REQUIRED TO BE JEWS. Meaning that anyone of the world (gentiles) could become christian, not requiring circumcision. When Christianity was opened up to the world at Pentecost (Acts 2), was when speaking in tongues started so the preaching work could be done to others outside of the Jewish community. When this happened, it opened the way for uncircumcised flesh to enter in to Christianity.
Circumcision of the heart was a divine requirement of even the Israelites who were already circumcised in the flesh. Moses told Israel: "You must circumcise the foreskin of your hearts and not harden your necks any longer." "Jehovah your God will have to circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, that you may love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul for the sake of your life." (Deut. 10:16; 30:6) Jeremiah reminded that wayward nation in his day of the same thing. (Jer. 4:4)
'Circumcision of the heart' means getting rid of anything in one's affections or motives that is displeasing and unclean in Jehovah's eyes and which makes the heart unresponsive. Similarly, ears that are not sensitive or responsive are spoken of as "uncircumcised." (Jer. 6:10; Acts 7:51).
The Bible even describes a "plants fruit" as its "foreskin." (Lev. 19:23) describing how planting a tree which would be "uncircumcised for 3 years" meaning it would not produce fruit for that long.
2007-01-06 10:30:53 · answer #1 · answered by AdamKadmon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the same reason he said nothing else the OT mentioned is required of Christians: This made Christianity more popular!
If circumcision, keeping the Sabbath holy, and keeping kosher were a requirement for Christians, then nobody would have wanted to convert!!!
2007-01-06 14:11:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It was a physical mark to show allegiance to a particular religion. Paul says that it is more important for your heart to belong to God than your body. Anyone can mark their body and then not believe. If you've given your heart then your belief is true. Paul wanted us to be true believers.
2007-01-06 10:20:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because this is one of the old laws that Jesus tells us is not required.
2007-01-06 10:20:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He said it in one way that I remember: Jesus was our circumcision when he died on the cross.
2007-01-06 10:17:02 · answer #5 · answered by dave_butterflyer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Law was crucified on the cross with Jesus. It doesn't apply anymore.
2007-01-06 10:16:53 · answer #6 · answered by djm749 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They were Gentiles and were not under the old Jewish laws.
2007-01-06 10:15:39 · answer #7 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For that matter why would God design our bodies one way, and mandate that they be altered?
2007-01-06 10:15:17 · answer #8 · answered by STFU Dude 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because he was a self hating homosexual.
2007-01-06 10:21:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
ouch and yuck. needs to be done to every guy though.
2007-01-06 10:15:18 · answer #10 · answered by Moon Goddess 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋