1. The Painful Truth About Circumcision Romans 4:9-12

2. “Is this blessing then upon the circumcised, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say, “FAITH WAS RECKONED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” How then was it reckoned? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be reckoned to them, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.”

3. The Question “Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also?” The Answer “For we say, FAITH WAS RECKONED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

4. Another Question “How then was it reckoned? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised?” The Answer “Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.” The issue is not about having faith… It’s having faith alone!

5. Defining Signs That Wrongly Become Defining Works for Salvation Communion Communion Baptism of infants and adults Baptism of infants and adults Confirmation Confirmation Joining the church (the right one of course!) Joining the church (the right one of course!) Receiving last rights Receiving last rights Traveling on a religious pilgrimage Traveling on a religious pilgrimage Religious ceremony without spiritual reality are empty…worthless…and destructive.

6. If He Was Saved Without Circumcision, Then Why Have It? “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised…” Sign- external; it points to something. Sign- external; it points to something. Pierced ears Pierced ears Seal- a guarantee; a confirmation; a promise; it authenticates something. Seal- a guarantee; a confirmation; a promise; it authenticates something. Official transcripts; a tomb; the Holy Spirit. Official transcripts; a tomb; the Holy Spirit.

7. “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”2 Corinthians 5:21

8. Why Circumcision Was A Great Sign (or, why a ring just won’t cut it!) Circumcision points to the Abrahamic Covenant. Circumcision points to the Abrahamic Covenant. land, seed, blessing. land, seed, blessing. Circumcision points to the reality that mankind has something inheritantly unclean that needs to be removed. Circumcision points to the reality that mankind has something inheritantly unclean that needs to be removed. “Moreover the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants (seed), to love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live.Deuteronomy 30:6

9. Circumcision points to the 8 th day. Circumcision points to the 8 th day. Infants were to be circumcised on the 8 th day. Infants were to be circumcised on the 8 th day. The 8 th day signified “a new order”. The 8 th day signified “a new order”. The resurrection sealed a new order on the 8 th day. The resurrection sealed a new order on the 8 th day. Circumcision points to the serious and personal degree in the offering up of one’s self in living life as a follower of Christ. Circumcision points to the serious and personal degree in the offering up of one’s self in living life as a follower of Christ. “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship.”Romans 12:1

10. “…that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be reckoned to them, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.”