引言

    无论在哪个年代，诚信都是人立足的根本，而“约”则是人们恪守诚信的依据。中国古语有云：“君子一言，驷马难追”、“一言为定”，"言而有信"这些词语反映了人们对守信的高度重视和追求。在基督教和犹太教的历史中，“立约”这一概念一直占据着核心地位。对于犹太人而言，割礼（circumcision）是他们与上帝立约的外在标志，是上帝应许亚伯拉罕后裔的永恒约定。

    然而，基督教信仰认为，借着耶稣基督的救赎，这个约已经被扩展并完成，并以一种新的方式适用于所有信靠耶稣的信徒。因此，基督徒虽然不再需要外在的肉体割礼，却依然需要牢记他们与上帝之间的圣约——这是一种“心灵的割礼”（Circumcision of the Heart），一种对上帝的忠诚、顺服和悔改，是基督徒内心深处与上帝盟约的真正印记，也是践行“言而有信”的生命宣告。

一、犹太人与上帝的圣约

    在犹太教的信仰中，割礼（בְּרִית מִילָה，音brit milah）被视为上帝与亚伯拉罕及其后裔之间立约的标志。《创世记》17章中详细描述了上帝与亚伯拉罕立约的过程：

“你们所有的男子都要受割礼，这就是我与你们立约的证据。这约是永远的。”（《创世记》17:10-11）

    割礼象征着犹太人对上帝的顺服和信靠，是进入上帝“选民”群体的标志。通过割礼，犹太人与外邦人之间的界限得以划定，这个标志不仅仅是一种宗教仪式，更是对上帝立约忠诚的具体表现。因此，对于犹太人来说，割礼是不可替代的：它不仅标志着肉体的洁净，更代表着他们从出生开始便被纳入上帝的圣约子民之中。

    接受割礼后，犹太人会产生强烈的归属感和认同感。他们认为自己已经与上帝立下了永恒的誓约，成为了上帝选民的一部分。这种心理变化有助于加强犹太人的团结和凝聚力，促使他们更加谨慎地遵守律法和教义。然而，正如先知所言，仅有外在的割礼并不代表对上帝的完全顺服。正如《申命记》10:16所言：

“你们要将心上的污秽割去，不可再硬着颈项。”

    因此，仅仅外在的仪式并不足够，它必须与内心的顺服和悔改相结合，才能真正成为上帝悦纳的圣约。

二、基督徒与心灵的割礼：超越肉体的圣约

    基督信仰中，“心灵的割礼”这一概念由使徒保罗在《罗马书》和《歌罗西书》中详细阐述。保罗指出，虽然外在的割礼是亚伯拉罕之约的象征，但借着耶稣基督的到来，这个约的实质发生了变化。信靠基督的信徒，无论是犹太人还是外邦人，都可以进入新的圣约关系中，而这一新约不再依靠肉体上的割礼，而是通过心灵的更新和悔改来与上帝立约。神也藉保罗的布道旅行将福音在“外邦人”中广为传播，让全球几十亿人得到耶稣基督的救赎。

“外面做的割礼，不是真割礼；唯有里面做的才是真割礼，是心里的，在乎灵，不在乎仪文。”（《罗马书》2:28-29）

    这表明，基督徒不再需要通过肉体上的割礼来表示与上帝的关系，而是要通过“心灵的割礼”来表明自己对上帝的忠诚和顺服。这意味着基督徒的信仰不再局限于外在的行为，而是更注重内在的改变和属灵的追求。

    此外，旧约中早已提出了心灵割礼的原则：

除了《申命记》10:16外还有：“耶和华你上帝必将你心里和你后裔心里的污秽除掉，使你可以尽心、尽性、爱耶和华你的上帝，使你可以存活。”（《申命记》30:6）

    这些经文揭示了上帝对他子民的期望：不仅仅是外在肉体的记号，更要有心灵的洁净和属灵上的归正。这正是心灵割礼的本质所在。

三、心灵割礼的内涵：基督徒不可忘记的圣约

    基督徒虽然不需要肉体上的割礼，但这并不意味着他们可以在属灵生命上松懈或随意。心灵的割礼是基督徒与上帝之间更深的约定，是一种内在的悔改与顺服。这种“割礼”要求基督徒更加严肃地对待自己与上帝的关系，时刻牢记以下几个核心原则：

1. 悔改与顺服：心灵割礼的核心

    心灵的割礼意味着一种内心深处的悔改（repentance）和对上帝完全的顺服。它要求信徒在日常生活中不断反思自己的行为，祈求圣灵揭示自己内心的软弱和罪恶，并以悔改的心态回归上帝。

    心灵的割礼不是一次性完成的仪式，而是一种持续的属灵操练。我们每一天都要将自己的内心向上帝敞开，祈求圣灵的引导，更新我们的思想和行为。正如《哥林多后书》7:1所说：

“亲爱的弟兄们，我们既有这等应许，就当洁净自己，除去身体和灵魂一切的污秽，敬畏上帝，得以成圣。”

2. 守律法与践行圣约：从信心到行动

    虽然基督徒不像传统犹太人那样严格恪守摩西律法，但这并不意味着可以无视上帝的道德标准。耶稣在《马太福音》5:17中说：

“莫想我来要废掉律法和先知，我来不是要废掉，乃是要成全。”

    这表明，基督徒应当从心灵深处追求上帝的公义、慈爱和真理。心灵的割礼要求基督徒从心里顺服上帝的律法，并在生活中践行这些原则，爱神、爱人、追求公义、仁慈待人——这些律法的精髓应当成为基督徒生活的指引。

3. 更新的生命：在基督里成为新造的人

    心灵割礼的最终目标是让我们成为一个被圣灵更新、与基督联合的新造人。通过心灵的割礼，我们不再是律法的奴仆，而是自由地活在基督的恩典和真理中。正如《歌罗西书》2:11中所说：

“你们在他里面也受了不是人手所行的割礼，乃是基督使你们脱去肉体情欲的割礼。”

四、心灵割礼与基督徒的圣约责任

    心灵割礼是一种属灵的记号，提醒基督徒无时无刻不活在与上帝的圣约之中。这种记号虽然没有外在的形式，但其内涵比肉体割礼更为深刻。基督徒必须牢记，他们虽然没有肉体的割礼，但借着基督的救赎，已经被接纳为上帝的新约子民，必须保持对上帝的忠诚和敬畏，不被世俗的诱惑和罪恶引诱，谨守自己与上帝的约定。

    换言之，没有了肉体割礼的记号，也不意味着自己可以任意借助另一个某种物件代替肉体割礼，基督徒必须牢记，虽然是名义上的“外邦人”，但借着基督的救赎，已经被接纳为上帝的新约子民。这个新的身份不仅带来了上帝的恩典，也带来了圣约的责任。这份约的重要内涵是将自己赖以生存的“思想意念”当作割礼献给了上帝，而且这里所说的献出去并不说自己不需要聪明才智，而是说将上帝的律法要求和带领当作自己实行个人意志的先决条件，这才是心灵割礼的内涵。

    基督徒须通过祷告、默想、研读圣经来不断省察自己的属灵状态，祈求圣灵洁净我们的心灵，每日行在上帝的旨意中，心灵割礼的最终表现就是圣洁的生活方式，并以圣洁和公义作为生活的准则。

呼吁：牢记心灵割礼的重要性

    作为基督徒，我们虽然不再受肉体割礼的约束，但我们与上帝立有更深的心灵约定。这约定要求我们在内心深处悔改、顺服，并以信心与行动回应上帝的恩典。心灵的割礼是一种内在的更新，是我们与上帝圣约关系的真正印记。

    亲爱的弟兄姊妹，愿我们时刻牢记自己的“心灵割礼”，不要任意忘记自己与上帝的约定，不要被世俗之见牵引，也不要被罪的诱惑动摇。在我们疲乏、软弱时，求主以圣灵的大能更新我们，愿我们时刻持守这份属灵的割礼，活出圣洁和公义的生命，成为上帝圣洁子民的见证。

    请弟兄姐妹们一起为此祷告！
    如有问题请联系[email protected]。

Circumcision of the Heart: Our Covenant with God

Introduction

In every age, integrity has been the foundation upon which people stand, and “covenants” serve as the basis for upholding that integrity. As Chinese proverbs say, “A gentleman’s word is his bond” and “Once spoken, a promise is not easily broken”—expressions that reflect the high value placed on keeping one’s word. In both Christianity and Judaism, the concept of “covenant” has always occupied a central place. For the Jewish people, circumcision is the outward mark of the covenant made with God—a symbol of the eternal covenant God promised to Abraham’s descendants.

However, the Christian faith teaches that through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ the covenant has been expanded, fulfilled, and renewed in a new way for all who trust in Him. Therefore, although Christians are no longer required to undergo a physical circumcision, they must always remember the sacred covenant they have with God. This is expressed as the “circumcision of the heart”—a sign of loyalty, obedience, and repentance toward God. It is the genuine imprint of the covenant between a believer’s inner soul and God, and it represents a life lived in true “keeping of one’s word.”

I. The Holy Covenant Between the Jewish People and God

In Jewish faith, circumcision is regarded as the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. Genesis 17 describes this process in detail:

“This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised… It shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.” (Genesis 17:10–11, paraphrased)

Circumcision symbolizes the Jews’ obedience to and trust in God; it marks their entrance into God’s chosen people. Through circumcision, a clear boundary is set between the Jewish people and the nations. This rite is not merely a religious ceremony—it is a tangible expression of loyalty to the covenant with God. For Jews, circumcision is irreplaceable: it signifies not only the physical purity of the body but also their inclusion as members of God’s covenant people from birth.

Once circumcised, the Jewish people develop a deep sense of belonging and identity. They believe they have made an eternal covenant with God and become part of His chosen community. This inner transformation helps strengthen the unity and cohesion of the people, encouraging them to meticulously obey the law and the teachings. However, as the prophets have said, an outward circumcision alone does not guarantee complete obedience to God. As Deuteronomy 10:16 NKJV instructs:

“Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.”

Thus, the external rite must be coupled with inner obedience and genuine repentance to truly please God.

II. The Christian Circumcision of the Heart: A Covenant Beyond the Flesh

Within Christian teaching, the concept of “circumcision of the heart” is thoroughly expounded by the Apostle Paul in the books of Romans and Colossians. Paul explains that although the physical circumcision was the symbol of the covenant with Abraham, the coming of Jesus Christ transformed the essence of that covenant. All who believe in Christ—whether Jew or Gentile—enter into a new covenant that no longer depends on a physical circumcision, but rather on the renewal of the heart and the practice of repentance. Through Paul’s missionary journeys, the Gospel was widely spread among Gentiles, bringing the salvation of Jesus Christ to billions around the globe.

Paul emphasizes:

“nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter.” (Romans 2:28–29, NKJV paraphrased)

This indicates that Christians are not required to display their covenant with God by the physical rite of circumcision; instead, they must demonstrate their commitment to God through the circumcision of their hearts. In other words, the Christian faith is no longer confined to external observances, but centers on internal transformation and spiritual renewal.

Furthermore, the Old Testament already points toward a principle of circumcision of the heart. In addition to Deuteronomy 10:16, we read:

“And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:6, NKJV)

These scriptures reveal God’s expectation for His people: it is not enough to have a mere physical sign, but there must be inner purity and spiritual reformation. This is the very essence of the circumcision of the heart.

III. The Meaning of the Circumcision of the Heart: The Covenant Christians Must Not Forget

Although Christians are no longer bound by the rite of physical circumcision, this does not mean that they may be lax or indifferent in their spiritual lives. The circumcision of the heart represents a deeper covenant between the believer and God—a continuous act of inner repentance and submission. This “circumcision” calls on Christians to take their relationship with God seriously and to remember the following key principles:

1. Repentance and Obedience: The Core of the Circumcision of the Heart

The circumcision of the heart signifies deep, internal repentance and complete obedience to God. It requires believers to continually reflect upon their actions, to pray that the Holy Spirit may reveal their weaknesses and sins, and to return to God with a repentant spirit.

Importantly, this form of circumcision is not a one-time ceremony but a daily, ongoing spiritual discipline. Every day, we must open our hearts to God, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and allow our thoughts and actions to be renewed. As 2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV reminds us: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit…”

• Keeping the Law and Fulfilling the Covenant: From Faith to Action

Although Christians are not bound by the Mosaic Law in the same way as traditional Jews, this does not mean that we can ignore God’s moral standards. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17 NKJV:

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”  

This teaching shows that Christians must pursue God’s righteousness, love, and truth from the depths of their hearts. The circumcision of the heart demands that believers obey God’s law internally and live out these principles—loving God, loving others, pursuing justice, and treating others with kindness. These core values should guide every aspect of a Christian’s life.

• A Renewed Life: Becoming a New Creation in Christ

The ultimate aim of the circumcision of the heart is to transform us into new creations, renewed by the Holy Spirit and united with Christ. Through this inner transformation, we are no longer slaves to the law, but we live freely in Christ’s grace and truth. As Colossians 2:11 NKJV declares: “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,”

IV. The Circumcision of the Heart and the Covenant Responsibility of Christians

The circumcision of the heart is a spiritual mark that continuously reminds Christians of their covenant with God. Although it lacks an outward physical form, its inner meaning is much deeper than that of physical circumcision. Christians must remember that, even without the physical sign, by virtue of the redemption through Christ they have been accepted as members of God’s new covenant community. They are obligated to remain loyal to God and to revere Him, resisting the temptations of the secular world and the snares of sin, and faithfully keeping the covenant they have made with Him.

In other words, the absence of a physical circumcision does not mean that one may substitute it with any other external token. Christians must always remember that even though, by name, they are “Gentiles,” through the redeeming work of Christ, they have been embraced as members of God’s new covenant people. This new identity brings not only God’s grace but also the responsibility of the covenant. The essential meaning of this covenant is that we offer our “thoughts and intentions” as a sacrificial circumcision before God. This does not imply that we forgo using our intelligence; rather, it means that we must make God’s commands and guidance the prerequisite for the exercise of our own will. This, then, is the essence of the circumcision of the heart.

Christians are called to continually examine their spiritual state through prayer, meditation, and Bible study, asking the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts so that we may walk daily in God’s will. The final expression of the circumcision of the heart is a life of holiness, where purity and justice guide our every action.

A Call to Remember the Importance of the Circumcision of the Heart

As Christians, though we are no longer bound by the ritual of physical circumcision, we have entered into an even deeper covenant with God—a covenant that demands continual repentance, complete obedience, and the active response of both faith and works to God’s grace. The circumcision of the heart represents an inner renewal; it is the true mark of our covenant relationship with God.

Dear brothers and sisters, may we always remember our “circumcision of the heart.” Let us not forget the covenant we have with God, nor allow worldly views or the temptations of sin to lead us astray. When we are weary and weak, may the Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, renew us. Let us steadfastly hold on to this spiritual circumcision, living a life marked by holiness and justice, and bear witness as God’s sanctified people.

Please, brothers and sisters, join together in prayer for this cause!