Topics, today, include circumcision, and both natural and spiritual benefits to mankind through the ministry of Jesus. Also, there is more on contradictions. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Joshua” (Level 2 with 256 points, a member since October 25, 2012) posted the following:
Jesus has been circumcised, why do Christians not do the same ?
The circumcision is the tradition of patriarchs and prophets since Abraham (pbuh) that God commanded him to do it. Following this commandment, all Jews and Muslims are circumcised.
Jesus, the god of Christians, also has been circumcised under the approval of his mother Virgin Mary which is beyond any reproach.
So why do Christians not do the same ? Why do they not follow their god ?
THE BATTLE AXE: No Contradictions? (01/15/2013)—Bits from a 5,000-pieced jigsaw puzzle may appear not to belong in a given grouping because of their color or the image they bear, nonetheless their place can be easily discovered as they are fitted together with the pieces whose shape indicate they belong on one of the edges. The holy writings are a single source for knowledge and understanding among those seeking GOD in Christ. Not only are the many details and unrecorded truths of Scripture impossible to comprehend without guidance and help from the imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD, believers cannot correctly embrace the many continuing experiences of sacred truth that come by giving, practice of the sacraments, prayer, unselfish service, and heartfelt worship without the continuing ministry of Jesus as Risen Lord. Saying this another way: Just as sworn testimony from multiple eyewitnesses in judgment may not be exactly the same, or agree word for word, yet jurors may account the statements under oath as truth because of agreement and corroboration, believers must examine and assign value to the full dispensation of GOD by focus upon accord.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8: 31-32, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Vows and Covenants? (12/17/2012); Fasting “After the Spirit” (09/19/2012); Binder 30: The Mark of GOD (10/27/2011); (08/31/2011) Dispatch 21: The Ally (Sometimes); Annual Feasts (12/29/2010); Conspiracy? (12/08/2010)
Mature Christian believers typically accept that the divine demand for circumcision goes beyond a cutting of the flesh (see Deuteronomy 30: 6, Jeremiah 4: 4 and Romans 2: 28-29, KJV), and speaks to the content and makeup of ones spirit in relationship to GOD. The many special truths that emerge by the ministry of Jesus upon the earth include: Incarnation (the appearance of Almighty GOD in a human body); fulfillment of all divine promises for an heir to Adam that would restore the dominion of mankind over the earth (that had been transferred to the serpent); satisfaction of all demands for oblations and sacrificial blood (e.g., atonement, burnt offerings, thank offerings, trespass and sin offerings); and obedience to all divine law for the natural and spirit worlds that would generate and reinforce faith, miracles, repentance and sacred revelation. (See Galatians 2: 20 and Romans 6: 4, KJV)
Just as believers may account themselves as redeemed and saved because of things physically done by Jesus, Christians may also hold that they are now present in heaven before GOD through the resurrected person of Jesus (see Colossians 3: 1, KJV). This notion (often called “living vicariously”) can be understood easily where we acknowledge that, as fans, we rejoice or are sorrowed as though we ourselves were spoken of when we hear reports about our favorite athletes and celebrities whom we follow (despite being strangers to them) as “family” and loyal supporters. It is sufficient that believers are circumcised in the person of Jesus. Similarly, believers are “credited” as having accomplished 40 days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness, so many in the church do not fast, today; Jesus attended all mandatory covenant feasts required of the eldest, the firstborn and heads of families at both the Tabernacle and the Temple at Jerusalem, so this is discontinued; Jesus correctly participated in, and shared the Passover, so that now Christ is received through the Lord’s Supper (called Communion); and the judgment of our enemies is going forward and will be completed through Jesus Christ, so grudges and revenge are no longer reasonable motives. (See Colossians 2: 8-13, KJV.)
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, covenant through Jesus Christ is to secure levels of spiritual reality for mankind, and therefore, goes beyond creating and maintaining a geopolitical nation or a society subject to death, sin and time. Through Christ there is the end of mortality; and upon the close of divine judgment against sin, only immortal and incorruptible beings will continue in what is called “eternal life.” ) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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