Outward Sign Not Enough, Genesis 17:10-14

Outward Sign Not Enough

Genesis 17:11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between you and me.

A covenant has two sides. If either side breaks the covenant, the other is not bound to it. God had promised Abraham the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession IF every male in their household was circumcised from that point on, IF not the agreement would be void. God later told the Israelites that the outward sign was not enough. The people of Israel became stiff-necked and evil. God told them to circumcise their hearts and do right (Deuteronomy 10:16, Jeremiah 4:4).

Like Israel, God chose each one of us to be made right with him. He convicts our hearts (John 16:8), makes us new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:7) and gives new life (Ephesians 2:4 & 5). Because of that we do good works which he has apportioned for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). These are signs of what God is doing in our lives. It is a way to recognize who belong to God (Matthew 7:16). Yet good works in and of themselves are not enough. Our hearts must be circumcised, the evil must be cut off and that cannot be done by human hands. We must believe that it is God who brings salvation to our souls and hope for eternity. It comes by faith in what Christ has done (Ephesians 2:8).

A and K, you know how important I believe it is for you to look like a Christian. The things you do affect those around you. There are things that are not sin that you are to avoid so others are not tempted to do wrong (1 Corinthians 8:10-13). Also, I want you to keep from some things the world does to keep from becoming like them (going dancing, listening to the worldly music, watching certain TV or movies, using things that look like ungodliness (you know I wont drink root beer out of a bottle that looks like a beer bottle). These become traps, a foothold that Satan uses to snare us (Ephesians 4:27). Some think I am foolish, maybe you. But, what you do has much more affect than what you or most Christians realize. Look at where the spiritual level of  most who call themselves believers is. They constantly struggle with sin and spiritual things are of little importance. You cannot tell them from the rest of the world around them. I want better for you. But outward signs are not enough. Your heart must be right before God. It is a pure heart, cleansed of sin that begins your walk of holiness. This is what God expects (Psalm 24:3-5). Allow God to cut evil from your heart, then walk a life that shows it!

~Dad