“In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.”
Colossians 2:11
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Connection with Abraham's circumcision
God gave Abraham circumcision as the sign of His covenant in Genesis 17. The deepest mark was always inward: God promised through Moses to circumcise the heart (Deuteronomy 30:6), and Paul says this happens to us in Christ.
Read the whole studyConnection with circumcision in Genesis 17
Circumcision, the covenant sign God gave Abraham, always pointed to the heart. God commanded Israel to circumcise their hearts (Deuteronomy 10:16), then promised He would do it Himself (Deuteronomy 30:6). Here Paul says that in Christ this is done: a circumcision made without hands, a cutting away of the old self.
Read the whole studyConnection with the defiling of Dinah
Moses had promised more than a sign in the body: "The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts" (Deuteronomy 30:6), and Paul told the believers at Colossae that they had received "the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands" (Colossians 2:11). Christ keeps the promise the sign pointed to, a people whose hearts God Himself has made new.
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If God speaks to you through Colossians 2:11, record what He said in Doxa and come back to it.
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Cross-References
Circumcision — in Christ you were circumcised with a circumcision not done by hands
“This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised.”
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How to Hear God’s Voice: A Practical Guide for BelieversScripture is the record of a God who speaks. This guide covers how to hear Him today and keep what He says.Engage with Colossians 2:11 in a fresh way
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