In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:11-12

One of the great questions that arose from our Family Bible studies is “What is the purpose of circumcision”? And while it’s found that there are many health benefits to circumcision, this is why it’s still a standard practice today, ultimately it was a another foreshadow pointing to Christ

The sign of the Abrahamic covenant was circumcision, it was a requirement for males to become circumcised to be in the Covenant, and this command was inherited into the Mosaic Covenant. So is this a requirement for the New Covenant? The Apostle Paul teaches here “You are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands” The circumcision Paul is teaching here is a spiritual circumcision and not a physical one

So , why did God command Abraham the sign of Circumcision? To point us to Christ, you might ask how? As Paul said “Putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of Christ”. So think about the physical act of circumcision , the removal of the foreskin, now apply that in a spiritual sense. When you become Born Again in Christ, you are no longer dead in your sins, the removal of your carnal self now being transformed and led by the Holy Spirit

Notice here Paul then teaches about Baptism, as Paul says “Buried with him in baptism, where also you are raised with him in faith” The symbolism of Baptism is your lowered into the water, a symbol of the death of your old self. And when you are raised out of the water, you are raised with Christ, to walk in the newness of life

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Colossians 2:13

Before you become Born Again in Christ, you are dead in your sins. Notice the analogy Paul uses here, the uncircumcision of your flesh, meaning without Christ you are still physically and spiritually dead. However in Christ, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, you become circumcised in Christ spiritually. Your old self dies and your new self is risen to Christ

You will not be saved by physical circumcision, you can only be saved by becoming Born Again through Jesus Christ , Amen!