Connecting Point: Culture and the Cross

Throughout the rise and fall of history, cultures most definitely change. As you look back through your lifetime what changes have you seen occur? We have hope because of Jesus Christ even though there is some uncertainty due to current events and cultural upheaval surrounding us. Moral decline in modern society is concerning, but that’s only fitting in a culture that turns its back on God’s principles.

I want to take you back to the first century, specifically the Jewish custom of circumcision. I’ve done more in-depth reading and study of Luke

chapter one in recent weeks, notably events leading up to John the Baptist’s birth. “When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, ‘No! He is to be called John,’” (Luke 1:57-60).

Here’s a Biblical principle to stand upon: Be mindful that not all cultural practices and implications are timeless. As we study and strive to apply the Bible today, we must learn to recognize some cultural practices have no bearing on salvation. A Christian’s salvation comes through Christ alone. This extends to hair coverings, beard trimmings, clothing, and even roles for male and females.

We read of John’s parents abiding by another Jewish custom, their son was circumcised on the eighth day. According to Jewish law, circumcision is the physical representation of the covenant between God and Abraham described in the Old Testament and is required for the inclusion of males in the Jewish faith. This is true today for most Jewish males who adhere to the law. As Christians, we understand that Christ’s atonement by the cross brings anyone who calls on Jesus for salvation into the new covenant. There is no need for physical circumcision in respect to salvation.

The Apostle Paul had to wade through this cultural minefield on several occasions (Titus & Timothy), because of false teachings and Jewish hard-liners who literally almost came to blows over a matter that seems insignificant to us. Let me share with you some solid reasoning from the bibleref.com. “Paul’s point is that either salvation is through faith in Christ alone, or it is through circumcision and the law. It cannot be both. Any addition of works, of any kind, is not the same as a gospel of salvation by grace through faith” (Romans 11:6). To choose one is to reject the other. To choose circumcision, for the purpose of “making sure” you are saved is to reject faith in Christ as the only sufficient payment for sin.”

Salvation is a heart matter, from the point of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection moving forward. Paul emphasized “A person is not Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God,” (Romans 2:28-29).

Let’s not be swayed by culture but be guided by God’s timeless love and mercy.