Would someone please explain in concise, Reader's Digest version, how it is seen that 'baptism' replaced 'circumcision'. I seek no argument but am trying to understand where that thought began and became grounded as fact.
This has long bothered me as I'm reformed baptist. I still would like to understand the concept. Thanks! Is there scriptural validation for such?
I do know the New Covenant replaced the Old Covenant as that is clearly stated in scripture but the other dilemma I cannot understand.
(mods please move if in wrong area or if this has been dealt with previously)

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Nancy L./ www.foundersbaptist.org
Spring, TX

Your will, Lord Jesus Christ! Nothing more... nothing less... nothing else.

1. They are both the "sign of initiation" into their respective covenant arrangements, first Abraham, then Christ.

2. Both covenant arrangements are essentially the same covenant of grace, see Galatians 3:16-18.

3. Both outward signs signify first and foremost the necessity of a spiritual, internal work of the Spirit to effect regeneration, i.e. "circumcision of the heart" (Lev.26:41; Dt.10:16) and "washing of regeneration" (1Cor.12:13; Titus 3:5).

4. The two are correlated directly in this passage:
Col 2:11 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,
Col 2:12 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.


As the "Reader's Digest" version of the argument, I don't expect this synopsis to really begin to answer your questions. I expect it to raise more queries than it settles. But, there it is.

Blessings.

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Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI


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If I'm not mistaken, 10 to 12 pages wouldn't be too much for Readers Digest. I didn't want to put that in the "Quick Reply", though. So you might take a look at my answer at

Clark H. Brooking: Colossians 2, Circumcision and Baptism

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Clark Brooking
Pastor
Living Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC)
Clarksville, MD