Question
Is it required that male be circumcised? Why or why not? I understand why they did it in the Old Testament but should male today be circumcise.
Answer
It is not required that a male be circumcised. It was re quired of the descendents of Abraham “throughout their generations” (Genesis 17). When the system of Judaism ended and was nailed to the cross (Co. 2:14), it was no longer required. There is no longer a destinction between Jew and Gentile (Eph. 2:14-16) but we are “all one in Christ” (Gal. 3:28). For religious reasons it is not necessary and even contrary to the will of God. The Jews in the first century claimed the Gentiles who became Christians had to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses, but Paul showed throughout his letters that this was not so (Romans 4; 1 Corinthians 7; Galatians 5:1-4). There is a “spiritual” circumcision today (Col. 2:10-15) “not made with hands”. But one might for health reasons be circumcised.
By Danny Stanford
