Circumcision

The significance of circumcision as a redemptive element in OT times is clearly illustrated by the plight of Ishmael. Although he was circumcised, he was ultimately rejected and cast out (See Genesis 17 and 21). While the ritual was important, the OT sometimes emphasized the inner significance of the outward act:

De 10:16 "So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer.

De 30:6 "Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.

Jer 4:4 "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD And remove the foreskins of your heart, Men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Or else My wrath will go forth like fire And burn with none to quench it, Because of the evil of your deeds."

Paul clearly explains that circumcision was a sign of justification by faith:

Rom 4:11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them,

He explains clearly that baptism is the Christian equivalent of circumcision:

Col 2:11 and in Him you were also circumcised <4059> with a circumcision <4061> made without hands, 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision <4061> of Christ;

The NT offers three other alternatives to circumcision:

1Co 7:19 Circumcision <4061> is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.

Ga 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision <4061> nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

Ga 6:15 For neither is circumcision <4061> anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

True circumcision is clearly explained:

Php 3:3 for we are the true circumcision <4061>, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,