The foreskin of the heart

[Moses_Young]

I've always liked the verse in Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

It makes me think not only of the covenant sign God writes on our hearts, but also of the removal of the filth in our hearts that should accompany it, and the relaxing of our necks to allow them to be flexible so as to follow God's voice, rather than go our own way. In the Old Testament, there was a requirement for physical circumcision, which was a sign of God's covenant with Israel. I believed that just as physical circumcision removes an obstruction for better functionality and sensitivity, so circumcision of the heart removed the stony, stubborn barrier of our hearts to make them more sensitive to God's prompting.

However, in recent times, I've been surprised at how some of those claiming to be Christians have behaved. With some, it's as though this stiffneckedness is still in place, with others, some of the uncleanness is clearly present. I wondered if Christians could have uncircumcised hearts, or if the heart circumcising could just take much longer than 15 minutes.

My current thinking is that the "foreskin of the heart" is our sinful nature, more than the individual sins themselves, and Christians hearts are circumcised from a covenant perspective, but constant battle is still required with our sinful nature, to prevent that "foreskin of the heart" from taking root again and reinfecting us with uncleanness and sin.

Two other passages on the subject are below, but I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts.

Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God

 

[Cameron143]

I've always liked the verse in Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

It makes me think not only of the covenant sign God writes on our hearts, but also of the removal of the filth in our hearts that should accompany it, and the relaxing of our necks to allow them to be flexible so as to follow God's voice, rather than go our own way. In the Old Testament, there was a requirement for physical circumcision, which was a sign of God's covenant with Israel. I believed that just as physical circumcision removes an obstruction for better functionality and sensitivity, so circumcision of the heart removed the stony, stubborn barrier of our hearts to make them more sensitive to God's prompting.

However, in recent times, I've been surprised at how some of those claiming to be Christians have behaved. With some, it's as though this stiffneckedness is still in place, with others, some of the uncleanness is clearly present. I wondered if Christians could have uncircumcised hearts, or if the heart circumcising could just take much longer than 15 minutes.

My current thinking is that the "foreskin of the heart" is our sinful nature, more than the individual sins themselves, and Christians hearts are circumcised from a covenant perspective, but constant battle is still required with our sinful nature, to prevent that "foreskin of the heart" from taking root again and reinfecting us with uncleanness and sin.

Two other passages on the subject are below, but I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts.

Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God

I think your understanding here is very good. I think the behavior that you find uncharacteristically Christian is the sin nature that remains with us. It takes time for a child to learn things in life. The same is true in the Christian life. We don't automatically put on Christ. We learn to walk in the ways of God. It is made even more difficult because, unlike a child learning new things, we also have to unlearn some old things. We not only have to put on the new man, but also have to put off the old man.
When I was a supervisor, I had the responsibility of hiring manager trainees. If I hired someone with prior experience, they would bring not only their experience, but also their bad habits. I found it easier to train new trainees to do what I wanted them to do than to train others with experience what I didn't want them to do.
The same is true with new Christians. We have all pretty much figured out how to make our way in the world. But when we get saved we tend to apply the same methods and strategies that helped us navigate through our secular lives. The problem is that what leads to success in the world doesn't work in God's kingdom. To be successful in the world we look out for ourselves. To be successful in the kingdom we look out for others. To be successful in the world you acquire as much as possible. To be successful in the kingdom you give as much as possible. To be successful in the world, you become #1. To be successful in the kingdom you become the least.
We are all at various stages in our walk with God. We would all do well to be a little less sensitive and alot more patient with each other.

 

[ThereRoseaLamb]

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts.

I highly doubt that. From what I've seen you want to hear from people who agree with you and X whoever disagrees with you.

 

[Nehemiah6]

My current thinking is that the "foreskin of the heart" is our sinful nature, more than the individual sins themselves, and Christians hearts are circumcised from a covenant perspective, but constant battle is still required with our sinful nature, to prevent that "foreskin of the heart" from taking root again and reinfecting us with uncleanness and sin.

This would be the right interpretation. There is a constant conflict between "the flesh" (the sin nature) and the Holy Spirit. Therefore we are exhorted to "walk in the Spirit.

 

[Moses_Young]

I highly doubt that. From what I've seen you want to hear from people who agree with you and X whoever disagrees with you.

I'm not without fault either. I apologise for the posts where I haven't been fair to you. I truly think you are incredibly wrong about some things and stand by x's on these, but I also acknowledge that in the heat of debate, I've sometimes said things I didn't truly mean.

 

[ThereRoseaLamb]

I'm not without fault either. I apologise for the posts where I haven't been fair to you. I truly think you are incredibly wrong about some things and stand by x's on these, but I also acknowledge that in the heat of debate, I've sometimes said things I didn't truly mean.

I appreciate that. I think the whole situation has shocked the world. But we as Christians, no, we as believers and followers of Christ must not be at odds. We have to find a peace somewhere because we have a world to win to Christ.
It's rather funny because in my first account I felt I may have used the red x too much. So this time round I have not used it once. I was sorely tempted to with some of your comments. So perhaps God is using you to teach me some patience. Steel on steel. You're still my brother. Blessings.

 

[Moses_Young]

I appreciate that. I think the whole situation has shocked the world. But we as Christians, no, we as believers and followers of Christ must not be at odds. We have to find a peace somewhere because we have a world to win to Christ.

Amen!

It's rather funny because in my first account I felt I may have used the red x too much. So this time round I have not used it once. I was sorely tempted to with some of your comments. So perhaps God is using you to teach me some patience. Steel on steel. You're still my brother. Blessings.

Thank you for the kind words. I'm used to the red x's, so don't feel bad if ever your temptation should overcome your patience not to use!

I am curious to know what your first account was, though. The username that comes to mind is Kaylagrl...

 

[ThereRoseaLamb]

Amen!

Thank you for the kind words. I'm used to the red x's, so don't feel bad if ever your temptation should overcome your patience not to use!

I am curious to know what your first account was, though. The username that comes to mind is Kaylagrl...

Yes sir, that was me, with the little white dog. That was her namesake. She died tragically just after Christmas last year. I couldn't even stand to see her name I was so heartbroken. I have no kids so she kind of took that place. So was so fierce and brave for such a little mutt. So I contacted admin. and they allowed me a new account and a name change. I'm really grateful for their understanding. I told some of the older CC crowd, the ones here the longest, who knew me. But it's rather sad this Christmas. Her favorite thing was laying under the Christmas tree. Still miss her.

ps Don't worry about the xs it's kind of funny. I was counting and if you do three more it'll be an even 50. rofl.

 

[Moses_Young]

Yes sir, that was me, with the little white dog. That was her namesake. She died tragically just after Christmas last year. I couldn't even stand to see her name I was so heartbroken. I have no kids so she kind of took that place. So was so fierce and brave for such a little mutt. So I contacted admin. and they allowed me a new account and a name change. I'm really grateful for their understanding. I told some of the older CC crowd, the ones here the longest, who knew me. But it's rather sad this Christmas. Her favorite thing was laying under the Christmas tree. Still miss her.

Awww. Sad to hear. Animals (especially dogs) are amazing creatures. They can teach us such lessons about love, loyalty, courage, etc. My condolences. Also, I'm pleased you are still around. We had (and still have) some heated exchanges, but I did notice and wondered what happened when your old account went to guest.

ps Don't worry about the xs it's kind of funny. I was counting and if you do three more it'll be an even 50. rofl.

Lol. Since this topic and some of your posts, I've been paying my own heart more scrutiny, and am trying to use the red x less! Your post below (from a different thread) really made me think. (It was true that I didn't truly mean the post you replied to).

Well thanks Mo, guess I know where I stand with you now huh? Got it.

 

[ThereRoseaLamb]

Awww. Sad to hear. Animals (especially dogs) are amazing creatures. They can teach us such lessons about love, loyalty, courage, etc. My condolences. Also, I'm pleased you are still around. We had (and still have) some heated exchanges, but I did notice and wondered what happened when your old account went to guest.

Lol. Since this topic and some of your posts, I've been paying my own heart more scrutiny, and am trying to use the red x less! Your post below (from a different thread) really made me think. (It was true that I didn't truly mean the post you replied to).

It's funny since I have made myself stop using the red x it's made me think a little more before I respond. But then something could be happening that day that's got me in a sour mood. lol But I do try to make friends out of "enemies". Because we are, in the end, a body. And I have unsaved loved ones, and I'm sure everyone here does. And we don't ever know who God brings into our lives or who we could be ministering to. If I told the street I live on, the town, or places I have been someone here might say they have an unsaved loved one that lives there. You never know. Before I met my husband I shopped at a place he worked, never even knew it. The main thing is we all like to discuss and maybe it will keep the Alzheimer's at bay but it all boils down to reaching a lost world. So many people feel hopeless. So many people still need to hear the Gospel. That is the most important thing we have to do as Christians. Win them to the Lord. I know that's your heart, that's my heart and that we can agree on 110%. Anything else we disagree on doesn't really matter a hill of beans. The darker the night, the brighter the light, let's let it shine and win folks to the Lord. Blessings brother!

 

[Edify]

I've always liked the verse in Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

It makes me think not only of the covenant sign God writes on our hearts, but also of the removal of the filth in our hearts that should accompany it, and the relaxing of our necks to allow them to be flexible so as to follow God's voice, rather than go our own way. In the Old Testament, there was a requirement for physical circumcision, which was a sign of God's covenant with Israel. I believed that just as physical circumcision removes an obstruction for better functionality and sensitivity, so circumcision of the heart removed the stony, stubborn barrier of our hearts to make them more sensitive to God's prompting.

However, in recent times, I've been surprised at how some of those claiming to be Christians have behaved. With some, it's as though this stiffneckedness is still in place, with others, some of the uncleanness is clearly present. I wondered if Christians could have uncircumcised hearts, or if the heart circumcising could just take much longer than 15 minutes.

My current thinking is that the "foreskin of the heart" is our sinful nature, more than the individual sins themselves, and Christians hearts are circumcised from a covenant perspective, but constant battle is still required with our sinful nature, to prevent that "foreskin of the heart" from taking root again and reinfecting us with uncleanness and sin.

Two other passages on the subject are below, but I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts.

Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God

I believe that removing the foreskin of the heart is genuine repentance that brings a real change in the individual. I also believe we can go back to being hardhearted just like Israel did. The final falling away is a hardening of the heart that finds no repentance because the individuals aren't looking for it. Pure rebellion.

 

[Moses_Young]

I believe that removing the foreskin of the heart is genuine repentance that brings a real change in the individual. I also believe we can go back to being hardhearted just like Israel did. The final falling away is a hardening of the heart that finds no repentance because the individuals aren't looking for it. Pure rebellion.

I guess this is what I find unsatisfying. If the foreskin of the heart has really been circumcised, how can it come back? Yes, I believe Christians can be hard-hearted, but not to the point their hearts become uncircumcised.