And what of circumcision? A mark on the penis operates as the sign of God’s covenant with his people, the most sensitive part of the male body, where he consummates his most intimate relationships. And the very appendage by which men might be unfaithful in their relationships becomes a daily reminder of covenant obligations and worship.[1] –Debra Hirsch, Redeeming Sex

Truth Statement: God instructed His people to demonstrate that they believed Him wholeheartedly through the act of circumcision. Symbolically this served to remind men, daily and constantly, to place their most intimate parts under His authority. Then He reciprocated by offering an undeserved gift: His righteousness, despite human failure.

 

I enjoyed the party lifestyle of the ’70s but found it ultimately hollow. Trusting Jesus, I decided to stop having sex with women until I got married. Secondary virginity is what some people call it. For me, it was just a daily choice. God said sex before marriage wasn’t His best. I chose to believe Him and decided to follow His plan.

At first, it wasn’t too hard. I stopped dating. For a time, God gave me freedom from my sexual past. However, as Carlene and my relationship grew, my longing for physical intimacy intensified. Burning memories set against my commitment to abstain. I set strict parameters around our relationship. However, we stretched those boundaries in compromise to Carlene’s desires and what she considered innocent closeness. Blazing passion for physical intimacy returned.

Committed to doing the right thing, I told Carlene we should break up. There was an unworldliness to her sheltered life. She deserved better. She responded that God had forgiven me, and she could too. A war raged as I shouldered the responsibility to maintain boundaries that honored her virginity and God’s plan for marriage.

When our wedding day arrived, I thought the battle was over; I’d won, and now we could be free! I pursued sex as the epitome of our love and closeness, the place where unity would be found. For My wife, the struggle had just begun. Our sex life was overwhelming and confirmed the religious misgivings of her past: sex was corrupt, a weakness of men, and something to be tolerated according to God’s rules. Carlene was bound by a notiont that sex should be reined in rather than bathed in. Naive to our dilemma, our points of view were polarizing and drove us apart …until God intervened to bring us together again.

Slowly, steadily, we experienced healing. When Greg applied Ephesians 5:23 to his physical drive, he began to ask real questions. What do you need? Why do you feel this way? What should I do differently? I didn’t always have answers, but eventually, his persistent return to prioritizing my needs over his own enabled me to trust him physically again.

Though our relationship improved tremendously, eight years later, I realized I still wasn’t there for my husband in the way he desired. Truthfully, I couldn’t participate wholeheartedly, even though I longed for the freedom to do so. It wasn’t a matter of my willingness; I was willing. I didn’t know how to escape the emotions that held me back during intimate times.

God changed my thinking through my study of the book Romans in the Bible. I was perplexed by God’s choice of circumcision to identify His people. What kind of a God is He? What was His purpose? And why choose something particularly male to identify an entire clan? Working through the Bible passages challenged me to examine myself and the fundamental beliefs that shape my concept of what is good. Either there was something wrong with me or something wrong with God! How could a good God create something with such devastating potential? I found His choice distasteful! It would have seemed reasonable and more gender friendly had He chosen an ear or a toe: why a penis?! To be at peace with God and myself, I needed to see that God knowingly made this choice and that it communicates something meaningful about Himself and my experiences.

Too often, religion addresses sex in ways that generate guilt and shame and put the churches reputation on the line. Parents and religion struggle to be relevant when it comes to sexuality. Christians believe the Bible is the primary source to answer life’s questions, yet too often fail to adequately address questions pertaining to sexuality to generations younger than the boomers. The church is often disillusioned and, unfortunately, of ill repute, and many give up on religion because blind faith seems ignorant. 

The Bible isn’t silent or irrelevant. God’s truths run as deep as our longings. Sex is spiritually significant and a celebration of what God did by creating us to be like Him. This truth will take three chapters to unfold. This chapter will examine the background of circumcision as God’s choice. In chapters five and six, we’ll look at what colors our circumstances making passionate connection feel risky, and we’ll reestablish God’s goodness as the grounds for passionate reality that is meaningful.

Identifying His Own

Genesis chapter 17 gives an account of God’s promises and covenant with Abraham. From Genesis 17:10-11 & 27, note the following:

• What was God’s only requirement for Abraham to demonstrate the relationship being forged between them?
• Who was to participate in this rite?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the human penis.[2] It’s an act that would have been painful and humiliating, particularly for a grown man unaccustomed to the practice. Mutilation as a form of identification wouldn’t have been out of the box in terms of normal behavior at that time. It was common to identify enslaved people or indentured servants by cutting, burning, or piercings that resulted in permanent body markings. There is evidence early Middle Eastern cultures may have begun practicing circumcision before the time of Abraham.[3]

Regardless of its earliest origin, male circumcision was God’s choice for identifying His people. From that time, circumcision became the hallmark of Abraham’s descendants, identifying them as those God had chosen to carry out His plan for restoring His relationship with humankind (Genesis 12:3).

Circumcision was God’s choice for identifying His people.

When God came to Abraham, there was nothing special about him. Even after God met with him, Abraham and his family continued life patterns, including sexual practices that displeased God. Still, God chose to reestablish contact with humanity through Abraham.

The following is an account of Abraham’s relationship with God, as the Apostle Paul outlined in Romans. Notice how frequently words of righteousness and circumcision are used.

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

• Notice that Romans 4:3 is an exact quote from Genesis 15.
• Look at Genesis 15:6 in your Bible.
• Why was Abraham considered worthy of a friendship with God? “Abraham ______________________ God and it was ___________________ to him as _________________________________.”

4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered. 8 “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.” 9 Is this blessing then on the circumcised or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” 10 How, then, was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; 11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.

From Romans 4:11 above, fill in the missing words.

• “[Abraham] received the sign of______________________________, a _______________ of the __________________________________ that he had by faith … that he might be the father of all who believe … that ___________________________________ might be credited to them.”
• According to this verse, what was God’s purpose for the circumcision of Abraham and his descendants? _______________________________________________________
• Did circumcision save Abraham and his family from their sins?

13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is nullified; 15 for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.

16 For this reason, it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law but also to those who are [descendants][i] of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “A father of many nations have I made you” in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. 18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

19 Without becoming weak in faith, he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; 20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. 22 Therefore, it was also credited to him as righteousness. 23 Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.

• Did you find the eight references to “righteousness” in this passage?
• Did you see the twelve references to the act, or absence of “circumcision?”

Circumcision Demonstrated Belief 

God made many promises to Abraham and his descendants. Circumcising the males was an important act of belief that identified Abraham’s family as God’s people. Abraham received God’s words and submitted his masculinity to God by placing his most intimate parts under God’s authority. Then, he instructed generations of his children to do the same. Their actions demonstrated they accepted God’s words and believed He would keep His promises.

Through circumcision, God declared them righteous: in a right relationship with Himself. From that time, in Jewish tradition, the penis became a daily reminder of God’s promise of restored relationships through submission that is very personal, and a sacrifice of self.

This symbol would remind them of their covenant with God and that personal sacrifice restores life and relationships.

• Reread the Romans 4:1-25. This time, note the words referring to Abraham’s belief and faith.
• What do belief and faith have to do with righteousness?

Righteousness, like right relationships, is a gift we cannot acquire alone. Each takes an agreement between two. With God, righteousness is an offering of grace: a relationship with Him, “As if” we have no sin. I can be joined with perfection, not because I’m perfect, but because I believe God’s Spirit reunited with humanity in Jesus’ life. Through Jesus’ life, and the Words He spoke, believing Him, and so living consistently with His life choices, God’s Spirit remains, and is available in me. God viewed Abraham’s family as righteous and worthy of fellowship with Him when, through the act of male circumcision, they demonstrated their choice to believe what He said.

I can be joined with perfection, not because I’m perfect, but because I believe God.

Circumcision demonstrated the relationship was restored; Theologian Allen P. Ross (1998), in his guide through Genesis, acknowledges that by circumcision, God chose a “sign was sexual …joining faith with the act of reproduction” (p. 333). God’s blessing on Abraham’s life reached beyond his lifetime!

• From Romans 4: 11-13, 23 &24: who are the spiritual descendants of Abraham?
• From verses 24 & 25 above, who is now the object of humankind’s belief and source of righteousness?

The perfect image of God in the flesh, Jesus fulfilled God’s laws, is the object of our faith, and is now the source of God’s redeeming grace. Now, through Jesus’ life, God offers you and me the same grace He extended to Abraham through circumcision(Ephesians 2:8-9). When we believe God’s words about His Son, Jesus’ righteousness is the gift because of our belief. Theologians Clark and Johnson (2015) offer that “marriage and sex are internally and directly …related to the gospel of God’s self-giving in Christ through the Spirit… marriage and sex are thus so very precious and holy, …[describing] a triune and incarnate God” (p. 211).

Circumcision of the Heart

Since male circumcision demonstrated trust in God’s promise, the penis was an integral part of that covenant. Acted upon, this Jewish practice proved the sincerity of a person’s faith and belief that God’s righteousness was a gift, open for the taking.

Read Romans 2:25-29

• What kind of circumcision does the Apostle Paul consider valuable?

For you and I, circumcision of the flesh is no longer required. Instead, the Bible indicates there is a spiritual circumcision of the heart. This spiritual circumcision occurs when we trust in Jesus’ way of living. Choosing to believe, and trust Jesus, God creates understanding. Hearts and relationships are changed by what God does. Where physical circumcision initially addressed the human physical drive, through Jesus’ way of life, circumcision of the heart goes deeper into what drives us emotionally. An-‘other’ perspective directs both the physical and spiritual drives to connect sacrificially. In and outside of marriage, as you and I follow His example of listening and connecting our hearts, even with others very different from ourselves, we demonstrate that we truly believe Jesus’ way of sacrificing personal perspectives to connect with others is the healthy way to live.

Spiritual circumcision of the heart happens as we choose to trust Jesus and live in relationships as He did.

Living with Him as our example for healthy relationships results in spiritual circumcision, and the health of our relationships becomes a tangible means by which we can evaluate ourselves, our behavior, and our unity of God’s Spirit. In spiritual circumcision, we take off our ‘self’ -ish perspective to take in another’s point of view. Jesus did this. Spiritual circumcision changes people. Just as was true for Adam and Eve, Abraham, Isaac, and Mary the mother of Jesus, it is also true for you and me: our actions demonstrate what we believe about God, about others, and ourselves.

Our actions demonstrate what we believe about God, others, and ourselves.

Though God’s choice for circumcision was sexual, it was not about sex or even gender. God’s choice for circumcision was personal and pointed at intimacy and the ability for humans to connect and be one as our Triune God is One. It was a choice to demonstrate belief and direct us back to relationships and intimacy, which may or may not be sexual. God’s choice is spiritual to show that self-sacrifice has the power to unite our hearts into relationships that are meaningful and full of trust. His righteousness requires us to trust others and His Spirit as He leads us to evaluate life according to this Biblical Picture.

God’s choice is spiritual to show that self-sacrifice has the power to unite our hearts.

Conclusion

God didn’t give Abraham circumcision to save him. God’s grace saved Abraham because of his belief. God gave circumcision as a seal and meaningful symbol of righteousness: right relationships. Right relationships are intimate and connect in the whole-heartedness we were designed to enjoy. When Abraham acted obediently, demonstrating his belief and trust in what God said, God extended a right relationship with Him as a gift. It was a symbolic exchange that sealed His eternal promise.

As with Abraham, Jesus’ righteous standing is given to imperfect people when, in faith, they believe God. Belief determines our actions; patterning our relationships after Jesus becomes the way to life and health with one another and with God. God consummated His relationship with us in the flesh by impregnating human DNA with His Spirit. Through Jesus, God extends His grace beyond Abraham’s physical descendants to his spiritual descendants: anyone who believes what God says.

Time for Reflection

It’s easy to say, “I believe God.” But do I? Really? What I believe about God’s symbol affects my ability to accept it. What I believe about God’s choice for His symbol of righteousness affects my ability to trust God to choose wisely. If I struggle to accept His symbol, do I trust His goodness? God affirmed His goodness by extending grace to generations through a plan that is spiritually reproductive and sexually affirming. He is passionate and wants us to join Him in passionately expressing Trinitarian love by connecting our hearts as one.

Consider the following questions:

• How do you feel about God’s choice of male circumcision to identify his people?
• Has your definition of personal righteousness had more to do with following rules and acting in a certain way? Or is it truly a matter of faith, what you believe, and how these affect relationships?
• Beliefs impact behavior. What does your behavior reveal about what you believe regarding sex?
• When you think about sex, what do you see as its overriding purpose?
• Can you see the Gospel reflected in sexual intercourse?
• Can you see that placing another person’s needs before your own is an act of waiting on God, and that this act requires self-sacrifice from every individual?
• Write a prayer expressing your feelings regarding God’s choice of circumcision.
• Ask God to give you His perspective on your sexuality.

End Notes: 

[i] Throughout this chapter, bracketed words are my insertion for clarity.

[ii] Genesis 12:10-20, 16:2-4, and 20, 26:1-11

Foot Notes: 

[1] Hirsch, D. (2015). Redeeming Sex: Naked Conversations About Sexuality and Spirituality. Downers Grove. InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition. (p. 28).

[2] Mayo Clinic website. (2015). Tests and Procedures: Circumcision (Male). Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/circumcision/basics/definition/prc-20013585 on April 2016.

[3] Circumcision Information and Resource Page. (2011). History of Circumcision. Retrieved from: http://www.cirp.org/library/history/, on 15 July 2017.

[4] Hirsch, D. (2015). Redeeming Sex: Naked Conversations About Sexuality and Spirituality. Downers Grove. InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition. (p. 28).Hirsch, D. (2015). Redeeming Sex: Naked Conversations About Sexuality and Spirituality. Downers Grove. InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition. (p. 28).

Cited In Text

Ross, A.P. (1998, 1996). Creation and Blessing, A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis. Grand Rapids. Baker Academic, Baker Publishing Group. (Pg. 333).

Clark, J; Johnson, M.P. (2015). The Incarnation of God, The Mystery of the Gospel as the Foundation of Evangelical Theology. Wheaton. Crossway. (Pg. 211).

Unpublished work, copyright 2026, Greg and Carlene Seghers