Circumcision of the heart

[Esaias]

When does the heart of a sinner get circumcised?

Please give a scriptural presentation supporting your answer.

[shazeep]

sinner? when does a Christian's?
(insert punchline here)

[mfblume]

At baptism.

Colossians 2:11-12 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: (12) 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.

This is why Romans 6:6 also mentions destroying the body of sins in association with baptism into Christ's death.

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.


But it is baptism DONE IN FAITH, not just baptism.

[Esaias]

So then they are in error who say one is uncircumcised until they receive the Spirit?

[Light]

Originally Posted by mfblume

At baptism.

Colossians 2:11-12 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: (12) 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.

This is why Romans 6:6 also mentions destroying the body of sins in association with baptism into Christ's death.

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.


But it is baptism DONE IN FAITH, not just baptism.

Paul is writing these letters to the church, people who have obeyed Gods plan as preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost.

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by Esaias

So then they are in error who say one is uncircumcised until they receive the Spirit?

Not really.

In baptism YOU are putting off the old man. You are circumcising yourself, in a sense, or are declaring you want to be circumcised spiritually of God. You are demonstrating to God your faith and obedience. Then at Spirit baptism he creates within you the clean heart through regeneration.

Paul makes it clear in romans 8 that "ye are not in the flesh if indeed the Spirit of God dwell within you".

Therefore until one receives the Spirit they are still in the flesh and are uncircumcised of heart.

[shazeep]

well, i gotta say that that was almost 40 years ago for me, and I'm still working on the 'circumcision' part!

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Light

Paul is writing these letters to the church, people who have obeyed Gods plan as preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost.

What's your point?

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Esaias

So then they are in error who say one is uncircumcised until they receive the Spirit?

Circumcision is REMOVAL of body of sins of flesh. Spirit baptism is not removal of anything.

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by mfblume

Circumcision is REMOVAL of body of sins of flesh. Spirit baptism is not removal of anything.

Spirit baptism is indeed a cleansing and purging as well as something new being created.