The false teachers required their converts to submit to circumcision. It was considered necessary for salvation. The symbol became the main thing. See Acts 15:24-31.

1 – The symbol

The origin of circumcision is found in Genesis 17. It was a sign in two ways:-

• Spiritual – The show the graciousness of God.
• National – It signifies the membership of the Israelite nation. See Judges 14.

It was possible to have the symbol but not understand the significance. It was later connected with the Exodus from Egypt. This meant that the spiritual aspect was often forgotten. Legalists create rules and regulations. Legalists always applaud performance. They don’t want change. God wants us to be teachable and willing to change.

2 – The significance

There is a deeper meaning. What did it mean to the church? There was a process of change but some people wanted to hold onto circumcision. Paul makes it known:-

• It is spiritual not physical. God wants to remove sin by giving us His Spirit on the inside.
• It is total not partial. God is out to remove the sinful nature. It is a perpetual conflict until we die or Jesus returns.
• It is significant and not symbolic. Jesus instituted the true circumcision. The Jewish ritual is no longer required. The Holy Spirit has come to baptise both Jew and Gentile. The external is not required. The change is to be on the inside. It is a circumcision of the heart, not of the flesh.

3 – Christian baptism symbolises and signifies amazing truths

Baptism is a symbol and sign but it points to:-

• Justification – Jesus has fulfilled all the pictures and symbols. He left two symbols – baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism shows death, burial and resurrection. It shows an inner experience. Do you follow the symbol or is there a work of God in your heart? We are to have spiritual life on the inside. We don’t recognise Christians by their outward appearance. E.g. Dress, etc. It is by their spiritual fruits you will recognise them. You don’t become a Christian by baptism. It is dangerous to suggest that it does. Only God’s Spirit makes you a Christian. You must come to Christ by faith alone. Baptism is a consequence of something that has happened in your heart.
• Sanctification (vs. 12) – The resurrection is the supreme manifestation of God’s power. The Church should be pulsating with the power of the Holy Spirit. God is looking for a changed heart. God wants a clean heart more than a clean exterior. It is the power of God rather than the power of water. Both can clean. One cleans the outside and one cleans the inside. One is temporary and one is permanent. Don’t get things mixed up.

Categories: Colossians