Pbb 2008

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Concept:
True circumcision of the heart refers to an inward, spiritual transformation that aligns one's heart and spirit with the will and righteousness of God. This concept transcends the physical act of circumcision, which was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants.

Instead, it emphasizes a deeper, more profound commitment to God that is reflected in one's inner life and moral conduct.

Biblical Foundation:
The idea of circumcision of the heart is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is presented as a metaphor for genuine faith and obedience to God. In Deuteronomy , Moses exhorts the Israelites, "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more." This call to spiritual renewal highlights the importance of internal devotion over mere external compliance.

Jeremiah further reinforces this concept: "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and pe