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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The idea of "circumcision of the heart" is found in Romans 2:29. It refers to having a pure heart, separated unto God. Paul writes, "A Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart...
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Salem Markus Purba
Supporter
Circumcision is God's covenant wich is put in the flesh (Genesis 17 12-13), Circumcision of the heart is a terminology used by Paul (Romans 2: 29) to describe that man should has a covenant with God not only in flesh but in his soul and spirit as well (Ezekiel 36: 25-28) Jesus used another words regarding this matter by " born again" (John 3: 1-21) and "whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16: 16).
Jacqueline Robertson
Supporter
Circumcision of the heart is what happens in the process of sanctification. As we grow in the knowledge of God we surrender the things of this world, our fleshly desires which wage war against the spirit of God. Circumcision can be painful just as circumcision of the flesh is painful; however the fruit of circumcision brings us into a closer relationship with God. If we want to walk in the will of God we need this to be our daily prayer. Lord, circumcise my heart because only God knows the things that hold us back from all God has for us. God himself changes us from one glory to the next.
Casper Mcconnell
Supporter
This interesting question relates to our faithfulness being a sacrificial act of dedication. Just as in marriage we promise never to enjoy sexual pleasure with others, God wants us to "cut off" our desire for other gods (things and people we can't say no to) The foreskin of a man is full of sensory nerve endings to give intense pleasure during sex. Cutting off that foreskin is a sacrificial act to reduce the pleasure that a man enjoys... giving the first fruits of intimacy to please our loving God. He is there in the marriage bed when a couple make love together. To circumcise our heart is to put God at the centre of our joy of life. How do we know God? How do we hear His voice... in our hearts. Ofcourse we must know the written word, bend our thinking by study, discipline our body to obey Him. But He lives in our heart so we want to curtail that wandering lust of the heart and leave all that remains kept in His Presence
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
It had a spiritual meaning. It signified purification of the heart, inward circumcision effected by the Spirit (Deut. 10:16; 30:6; Ezek. 44:7; Acts 7:51; Rom. 2:28; Col. 2:11). Circumcision as a symbol shadowing forth sanctification by the Holy Spirit has now given way to the symbol of baptism. But the truth embodied in both ordinances is ever the same, the removal of sin, the sanctifying effects of grace in the heart. [EBD] NAVE TOPICAL BIBLE adds verses to the figurative meaning of the "circumcision of the heart": Ex. 6:12; Deut. 10:16; 30:6; Jer. 4:4; 6:10; 9:26; Rom. 2:28, 29; 15:8; Phil. 3:3; Col. 2:11; 3:11. "An uncircumcised heart is one which is, as it were, closed in, and so impervious to good influences and good impressions, just as an uncircumcised ear (Jer 6:10) is an ear which, from the same cause, hears imperfectly; and uncircumcised lips (compare Ex 6:12,30) are lips which open and speak with difficulty (Driver on Dt 10:16). ~T. Lewis
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