Genesis

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Bible Question: WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF CIRCUMCISION, AND HOW DID IT BEGAN?

Bible Answer: Circumcision was a covenant sign.

The promise God made was to bless Abraham and cause him to be a great nation (Gen. 15). Abraham attempts to make this promise come true by having a child Ishmael with Hagar. He thinks that this was the plan until Gen 17 when God says no, Ishmael will not be the promised child, but rather one from Sarah who is past child bearing years.

Abraham tried to make the covenant promise a reality in his own strength. Then God confirms the promise and institutes circumcision. The part of the body Abraham used to try to make God's promise a reality was cut. The symbol of his strength is cut.

It is a visual and physical reminder that 1) God's ultimate promise of the Seed (Gen 3) will not come about by man's righteousness or strength. 2) Ultimate salvation is not by works.

When you circumcise your 8 day old child, you will be reminded that God's promised Seed will come by God’s righteousness to the covenant and not by this child's righteousness or strength.

It's a bit of a quick answer. There is more there.

BTW, in the first century, circumcision was seen as a way into the covenant. Its purpose was turned on its head. A Gentile couldn't be a covenant member unless he circumcised himself (among a few other things). Paul argued that no “work” can gain you covenant status. Abraham is a perfect example, so Paul uses him in Galatians and Romans.

MJH