Sunday: God’s Sign Identifying His People
In Old Testament times there were two outward signs as identifiers of God’s true people. One of them was circumcision. To whom was this sign first given? Gen. 17:9-11.
God commanded Abraham and his descendants to be circumcised as a sign of the covenant of salvation.
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Males were to be circumcised on the eighth day (Lev. 12:3) . However, this ritual had a deeper significance. It was meant to symbolize the need for “circumcision” or renewal of the heart (see Deut. 30:6) . That is why Paul writes: “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God” (Rom. 2:28-29, NKJV) .
Texts such as 1 Corinthians 7:19, Galatians 5:6, and Galatians 6:15 show that in the New Testament circumcision is replaced by baptism, which symbolizes conversion, a “new creation”, a dying to sin and rising to a new life (see Rom. 6:3-4) . That is why Paul says circumcision is no longer important and that it is “faith working through love” and “keeping the commandments of God” that really matter.
What was the second outward sign that God gave to identify His people, and why was it given? (Exod. 31:13, Exod. 31:17; Ezek. 20:12, Ezek. 20:20).
Notice that the Sabbath as a sign goes all the way back to Creation (see also Gen. 2:2-3) , whereas circumcision began only with Abraham. Thus Jesus said, in referring to Genesis, “the sabbath was made for humankind” (Mark 2:27, NRSV) . It shows that we belong to God, by creation because He made us and by redemption because He justifies and sanctifies us. Thus, though Paul says that circumcision is no longer important, he argues that keeping God’s commandments (which includes the Sabbath) still is important (see Heb. 4:9).
| How do your thoughts and intentions reveal whether or not you have truly been circumcised in the heart? |
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I need more clarification about these ceremonial laws,isn't Camp meeting gatherings part of ceremonial laws? If so why do we still observe it?
Modern-day camp meetings have nothing to do with ceremonial and national holidays of ancient Israel. They are simply perceived as a good idea to get people together to share. We do not "observe" camp meetings as religious festivals.
Good reply!
Or to add to this idea, the Apostle Paul says in Hebrews 10:25 to not forsake the "assembling of ourselves." Camp meetings and other types of gatherings of God's end time people is encouraged by the Apostle Paul as being a very necessary thing to get them ready for Jesus second coming. Some of God's people in his day were neglecting to meet with the general group of believers. And even now there are SDA's that try to get by with just staying home and watching TELEVISION PREACHERS as their way of staying in step with their SDA roots. But this is not enough to keep them bonded in Jesus' love to each other.
My response is two-fold:
I think some church members put their faith in people rather than God, and when people disappoint them at church, or some church function, they would rather not "gather" with them after that. I've seen first hand some people disappointing me and others and seeing some not return to church because of their experience with other members.
Also, I know a lot of young people my age that have a hard time with the way the church services are run. It seems that our church (at least the ones I've been to and the ones I've heard about) doesn't seem to adapt with the church members, we have antiquated ways of going about the Sabbath school lesson (which is the biggest complaint of my peers) during Sabbath school classes and some of the older generations don't want to see change happening in the way things have always been. It's no wonder someone would rather stay home and watch someone they enjoy and get more out of than attend somewhere that they have no voice. I wonder if we were more open to new ideas on how to run sabbath school and church service how much more young people we could attract and keep engaged. I'm not saying we need big changes, but I wonder if we need to adapt to younger generations if we want to continue to spread our message to those that need it.
But here again, Jesus Himself said in Matthew 18:15-17 that if someone disappoints us that we are to go to that person one-on-one and be reconciled to that person. And then Jesus goes on to indicate that if one gets nowhere with that person that disappoints us one-on-one to then take one or two others with us and try to reconcile that way and then if that step does not work to then make this case a church issue. Jesus Himself never encouraged a staying away from Church Assemblies because someone there disappointed us.
Hi Stephanie
"... I wonder if we need to adapt to younger generations if we want to continue to spread our message to those that need it." ABSOLUTELY!!!
I really want to commend you for speaking up for the issue of 'relevance' in the 'culture' of church that you and your peers are facing. This is an issue that has been going on for a very long time. I would encourage you to keep speaking up and praying for open ears - and I would also want to affirm that you are not wrong in what you are asking for.
Jesus, in His life and ministry, expressed the Kingdom of God in ways that were relevant to the person or people group he was ministering to at that time. I hope that we, as His body, can learn to do the same.
Sadly, all too often there are those who condemn things being done differently just because they are different - just as they did with Jesus - instead of being able to see that truth was actually not being compromised. Instead, it was being affirmed and made available to more people that, as you said "need it" through being presented in relevant ways.
Hello Stephanie,
Continue to stand for the truth. One reason people compromise the truth is they want to please men rather than God. John 12:42-43 NIV says [42] Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; [43] for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
Hi Steph and Phil,
My take on this,
1) By staying away from the assembly not meeting with people one really misses the act of expressing love, to some extent till one confronts a situation then only can the truth is revealed. Meet people understand their feelings and what they are undergoing i believe it shall strengthen you.
2) If one is led by the Holy spirit i don't see why run away from the church due to "small" misunderstandings, no wonder Paul states somewhere that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
3) As we wish to have changes in the way we run activities in the church, let this be through prayer, supplication and according to the scripture, No wonder its stated somewhere else that if one comes with a gospel different from this then do not accept (paraphrased). Lets inquire of the old days from Moses to Joshua, Elijah to Elisha, the disciples, Paul to Timothy, the list goes on.
Mujuru,
Perhaps you were thinking of how Ellen White says we should attend campmeetings as they did in the days when the ceremonial law was kept in feasts and festivals.
"It is important that the members of our churches should attend our camp meetings. The enemies of truth are many; and because our numbers are few, we should present as strong a front as possible. Individually you need the benefits of the meeting, and God calls upon you to number one in the ranks of truth. {6T 38.3}
"Some will say: "It is expensive to travel, and it would be better for us to save the money and give it for the advancement of the work where it is so much needed." Do not reason in this way; God calls upon you to take your place among the rank and file of His people. Strengthen the meeting all you possibly can by being present with your families. Put forth extra exertion to attend the gathering of God's people. {6T 39.1}
"Brethren and sisters, it would be far better for you to let your business suffer than to neglect the opportunity of hearing the message God has for you. Make no excuse that will keep you from gaining every spiritual advantage possible. You need every ray of light. You need to become qualified to give a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. You cannot afford to lose one such privilege. {6T 39.2}
"Anciently the Lord instructed His people to assemble three times a year for His worship. To these holy convocations the children of Israel came, bringing to the house of God their tithes, their sin offerings, and their offerings of gratitude. They met to recount God's mercies, to make known His wonderful works, and to offer praise and thanksgiving to His name. And they were to unite in the sacrificial service which pointed to Christ as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Thus they were to be preserved from the corrupting power of worldliness and idolatry. Faith and love and gratitude were to be kept alive in their hearts, and through their association together in this sacred service they were to be bound closer to God and to one another." {6T 39.3}
While we no longer observe the types and shadows (ceremonial laws) we can still benefit by convocations in the same way as ancient Israel did. It is somewhat like when the Passover was fulfilled by Jesus on the cross, He instituted the communion to take its place- not as a ceremony but as that which would still give us all the same benefit, in the anti-type. We better get ourselves to those camp meetings:) It sounds like a blessing is in store!
Today's lesson states: "... Paul says circumcision is no longer important and that it is “faith working through love” and “keeping the commandments of God” that really matter".
2 questions:
1) Are 'faith working through love' and 'keeping the commandments of God' separate things or are they the same thing?
2) What will my life look like if I have this/these operating in my life?
God's sign identifying his people
It is God's and belongs to him. No one can change the sign.
Satan has stolen these identifying markers of God's people.
He has stolen the identity of the Sabbath.
Worship any day you like. Keep any of the day holy. It does not matter.
You can change the day of worship.
Satan introduces infant baptism.
God gave the sign of circumcision in the Old Testament.
Satan made sure the eyes were on tradition not on the principles of the spiritual law.
God gave the sign of baptism to the New Testament believers.
Representing death, resurrection and newness of life in Christ.
Baptism represents our identification in the death of Christ.
Baptism represents our identification with the resurrection of Christ.
Baptism represents our identification with the newness of life in Christ.
Is the seal the Holy Spirit or the Sabbath? The Bible calls the Holy Spirit the seal and the Sabbath a sign.
Actually, they are inseparable. The law is written upon the heart when filled with the Holy Spirit. If void of the Holy Spirit, a sinner cannot fulfill "the righteousness of the law".
Re: Pete Villarreal's comment. Some folks are housebound and can't attend church.
To say,"This is not enough to keep people bonded in Jesus love" because they get sermons from TV PREACHERS?" You don't know that. Maybe the Church goers ought to pay more attention who's missing and pay the others a visit. Sounds like the Christian thing to do.
Yes, the Bible clearly teaches that it is the Holy Spirit that seals God's redeemed. (Eph 1:13, Eph 4:30)
The passages in Revelation refer to a particular point in time when the sealed of God will be revealed by an outward sign (Rev 7:3 and Rev 9:4). From the prophetic scenario, we deduce that the time has not yet come when people have the mark of the beast or the visible seal of God.
There are many lines of reasoning that lead to the conclusion that in that time, Sabbath-keeping on the seventh day of the week will be the visible sign of the Holy Spirit's sealing work. And honoring a manmade "Sabbath" will be the visible sign of apostasy. In this lesson, we are focused on the fact that the Sabbath has been a sign between God and His people throughout earth's history. And when there is a showdown between true Creator worship and a false system of worship, it makes sense that Sabbath keeping will be the visible sign of the seal of God and Sunday keeping, which the Roman church claims as the sign of its authority, will be the visible sign of "the mark of the beast," i.e. the worship of the dragon, the enemy of God.
Since the Bible tells us that there will be a final call for God's people to come out of Babylon, just before the close of probation and the falling of the plagues, it seems quite clear that some of God's people who are sealed to Him by the Holy Spirit are still in Babylon and likely worshiping on Sunday. The do not have the visible "seal of God" and neither do they have the "mark of the beast."
A person who accepts Christ must be different when looked at closer. It seems to me that when I myself bring Christ's company to be around I exercise well being, eventhough I might bem going through trouble! If we could do this and worry about having Jesus close only, we should certainly impress those surrounding us. This should be most effective while preaching God's Love!
Jesus taught that it is from the heart(mind where all thought originates before being expressed) that we speak/act. These words/works will be judged at last, and either condemn or justify us(Matt 12:37). These innermost thoughts are influenced by what we choose to dwell upon and the influences of what we spend our time pursuing. The Word of God strongly advises that our companions be of a right character, since they will affect us with an influence for good or evil(Prov 13:20).
Today, the mass media can bring us close to many influences, and must be guarded closely, as we learn from the history of Israel and their mingling with the nations around them. The peril is greater today, and the counsel of God's word to "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it"(Prov 4:23 NIV), is vital to keep before us. Satan will use any means possible to corrupt the "heart" and thus overthrow our faith, resulting in words and works that will condemn us in the judgment that none will escape.
Today, popular culture allows and encourages the bulldozing of others for gain, and hatred for good as though it’s just survival and profit that matter. The misappropriation of justice has been accepted as what ‘those people’ deserve. Sadly, it’s accepted even by professing Christians. Misusing others in their weakness is funny, a laughable event to some Christians.
Its as though some have forgotten that it’s in the way we value and deal with others (all people including /men/women/whole/handicapped young/middle-aged/elderly/minority/
majority/gay/ straight/good/bad) that our profession of faith in God is verified in the judgement and found to be true or false. (Matthew 25:31-40).
By the power of God’s Spirit we have been given strength and power to learn to do God’s will and love all men. No one will be allowed into Heaven with biases and bigotry that have caused so much chaos and violence on earth. God is love and those who refuse to learn to practice loving others would be miserable in the atmosphere of love and acceptance that will be a constant in Heaven.
God’s law and the observance of its precepts has to be practical. We have to let Him live His life thru us. Love is the abiding principle that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit reflects Who God is. It’s the antithesis of evil.
Neither Sabbath nor circumcision were “signs identifying the ‘true’ people of God”. Physical circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and Abraham’s flesh seed(Gen 17:9,10). Sabbath was a covenant between God and the children of Israel (of the flesh) and a sign “that you may know that I am the Lord that sanctifies you.”Ex 31:13,17; Ezk 20:12,20.
God’s true people are circumcised in heart, true circumcision (Rom 2:29) and have entered into God’s rest (Heb 4:3,4; Gen 2:2,3), Spiritual rest, having been born into a new sanctified life, baptized by the Spirit.
Anyone can circumcise or be circumcised. Anyone can cease work at sunset Friday even to sunset Saturday evening; or baptize or be baptized.
As I read Sunday's lesson, and the comment which said that in the New testament " baptism has replaced circumcision" I have to ask " show me the bible passage?"
This comment also appears in the 27 fundamental beliefs.
No bible verse says that baptism has replaced circumcision.
This may be a false conclusion.
When the Apostle Paul writes to the Galatians concerning circumcision, the choice is circumcision or Faith, not circumcision or baptism.
If baptism has replaced circumcision, then we should be baptizing infants, since infants were circumcised.
True Francis, you will not find any verse in the Bible that states this in so many words. Yet, before the advent of Christ, circumcision was the clear requirement, and since the great commission, baptism is the clear requirement, not circumcision. So I believe it is safe to say, and there is no need for it to be spelled out in one statement, as it is very obvious to be the fact.
I would ask you this, has the bread and "wine" replace the sacrificing of lambs? Yet there is no clear statement that tells us this in so many words. Still, it's clear to all isn't it? This is the new covenant established by Jesus and followed by the apostles and all believers in Jesus.
Bread and wine did not replace the sacrificial lamb. For Christ our passover has been crucified for us. So Jesus is the fulfillment/ replacement of the Passover lamb. Bread and wine is then giving New meaning.
Again, Acts 15 the Jerusalem conference, the issue is gentile circumcision as acceptance to the church. Now although these gentiles were baptized, the conclusion is not to trouble them seeing the God has purified the hearts by Faith.
If indeed circumcision has been replaced by baptism, the conclusion would be not to bother them they have baptized.
My experience as a Sabbath school teacher is that not all things are well explained in the lessons.
I take it as my responsibility to fill in the gaps, do more reading than the congregation, and ensure that what is taught is consistent with the bible.
How often have I wished that the Sabbath school lesson writers were present to explain their expressions.
I have not found the writers to be in error, but rather to be short in space and time.
I fault many of them for a weak cut and paste style of writing.
Too often we are studying E.G. White, rather than bible.
One exception was a lesson written a few years ago on Romans.
There are two things that we should understand about the lesson:
1) We essentially have one lesson plan for adults irrespective of their background. Clearly what satisfies one person is going to be very challenging for others.
2) The Sabbath School lessons are not the Church Catechism. We should not expect it to provide all the answers but rather challenge us to study and think more deeply. I personally see the lessons as a starting point of study, not the answer book of religious thought.
When I was a classroom teacher, I learned that my role was not to teach the answers but to encourage students to learn how to find answers. It was my responsibility to model that study process.
With that in mind, when I teach a Sabbath School Lesson, I am more interested in providing an atmosphere that encourages further thinking and studying than providing a set of definitive answers
found the text linking circumcision and baptism which would indicate that baptism has replaced circumcision
Colosians 2 11-12
11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead
Shalom!thank you for opening our heart more concern the seal of the holy spirit and the sabbath worship.