Question:  Dear Greg,

            What does the Bible say about circumcision?  I know that in the Old Testament it was a sign of the covenant made between God and Abraham.  However, since Jesus came and we now live under the New Testament is there any reason why we should continue to circumcise our boys on the 8^th day?  Would it be considered a “sin” if we do?  Please enlighten me on this matter.

            Thank you,

            Marcia

Answer:  Dear Marcia,

            Circumcision has no biblical relevance or requirement for Christians.  Ironically, while circumcision was a separate covenant, it was the topic that helped Jewish Christians see that they were now Christians and that their Jewish culture and religion had no relevance to their Christianity.

            Acts 15 and the book of Galatians is a study that addresses the fact that circumcision of the flesh is not a requirement for Christians.  The same applies to any other Old Testament restriction or law that was not modified or reiterated under the new covenant--the new commandment given to us by Jesus Christ.

            The decision to circumcise or not to circumcise a baby boy is therefore, for Christians, divorced from the arena of religion—and simply becomes one of choice and preference.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht