The circumcision of the heart and the baptism of the hands.
The repentance of Christ is by no means the vague value of asking God for forgiveness of past sins and reflecting upon them, as the people of the world do, or as is practiced today in Roman Catholicism or Christianity. Because those who failed to attain the true repentance of Christ have taught otherwise, baptism has become no different from the world’s standards—a vain baptism driven by mere awakening and reflection—so that all believers alike fall into the vicious cycle of sinning, regretting, and then turning back to commit sin again. Such repentance and reflection are nothing more than faiths and beliefs wherein sin and shame never cease. Rather than being a true sign of the forgiveness of sins, this baptism is nothing but an empty form, a show of pride to boast of their own elevation, and in reality, a baptism that is as if received in vain.
Because there is neither the true teaching nor the learning of Christ that leads believers onto the path where sin can be stopped, only the foolish faith of sinning and regretting is endlessly repeated. This is the same for the teachers and the learners, for the shepherds and the believers alike, and it bears witness that there are none who have received the forgiveness of sins and escaped from the path of sinners.
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.(1 Corinthians 7 : 18~19)
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.(Galatians 5 : 5~6)
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:(Colossians 2 : 8~11)
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.(Jeremiah 9 : 25~26)
Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.(Romans 2 : 17~29)
Because they remain in the vicious cycle of reflecting upon their sins yet turning back again to commit them, their consciences are gradually desolated, and hearts trained by sin grow ever bolder toward sin. Thus, their abominable faith and religion are nothing but excuses and rationalizations that seek to cover sin, and their cunning deceit, which treats sin lightly because they have been trained by sin, has become their faith; their abominable assurance, emboldened toward sin, has become their god. As their sins accumulate, the good heart and upright center, along with the living conscience that feels fear, shame, and the recognition of wrongness, wither away. Therefore, their faith and religion, taught and learned in the church, grow ever more indifferent and ever more emboldened toward sin, so that there is neither anyone who knows the right path, nor anyone who leads others in it.
It is a religion, a church, and shepherds whose schemes to deny the way of practice and obedience invite more schemes, whose lies add to lies, and whose obstinacy heaps upon obstinacy—such that churches and pastors, corrupted by corruption and transformed by degeneration, inevitably progress only toward destruction and judgment. Their baptism, which parades an abominable outward form, has no foundation in the love of the cross that feeds, gives, and shares, nor in the example and model of selfless service; rather, it is a baptism created to exalt, boast of, and promote their own deeds. It is a baptism devised to make themselves appear as though they were God who grants the forgiveness of sins, a baptism intended to engrave upon the minds of believers that they themselves are lofty ones who bestow forgiveness of sins, so that they might be deified as objects of rule and reverence. This baptism is but the tradition and practice handed down from Judaism—which sought to deify its leaders as lords and objects of reverence—to the powers of Rome, and from them transmitted through the ages.
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.(Galatians 6 : 12~13)
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.(2 Timothy 3 : 5~8)
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.(Colossians 2 : 18~19)
It means that one should not pursue humility and righteousness out of hypocrisy and for show. Such deeds of righteousness, charity, and service, born from fleeting zeal that already has its reward, have nothing whatsoever to do with the true Word of Christ—the Word that is joined with the love of the cross and builds the temple of the heart worthy of salvation.
The baptism of Christ is repentance and baptism granted to those who, bearing the circumcision of the heart, deny the vain life that pursues worldly and fleshly desires, satisfactions, and cravings that only heap up sin and lust, and who resolve to live a life of sacrifice and suffering by following the love of the cross that leads to salvation.
Today, however, people blindly believe that if they trust only in their religion and church, or in their commandments and ideologies, or if they merely repent and reflect while repeating the vicious cycle of sinning, reflecting, and sinning again, they are forgiven. They believe that simply reflecting on past sins means that they have received forgiveness. Yet this present form of repentance is nothing more than a product created to exalt and boast of the church and its pastors, to display outward appearances and forms. And so, believers who have not actually received the forgiveness of sins regard themselves as forgiven through baptism. Thus, they are gradually trained by sin, growing indifferent to sin, or developing a faith emboldened toward sin, or being carried away by the arrogance of believing they are forgiven, or building a vain religion of excuses and rationalizations that only make their consciences more desolate. This is the corrupted Christianity that, through continual degeneration, teaches religion, church, pastors, and believers a faith that erects sin and pride instead of destroying them.
Because they cannot cast away the root cause and source of sin that prevents sin from being broken, they continue in a faith that carries sins endlessly repeated along the sinner’s path. Within the empty years of belief, they live weary and burdened lives, their good consciences withering away, their hearts growing impoverished. This itself testifies that they are slaves of sin who have not received forgiveness. Where are the tears once shed in earnest prayer when their first faith—their first love—has vanished? Where are the hymns once sung with zeal? Only a weary and worn heart remains, an empty heart growing ever more impoverished, feeling only distance and helplessness. This is the life of those whose spirit is willing but whose flesh cannot follow.
The fundamental purpose for which God created man is this: because He loved man exceedingly, He desired to make them children of God who, as divine children, would grow into the likeness of God and bear the divine character befitting God’s children. Thus, the Word exists, as do the apostles, the Sabbath, the shepherds, the tithes and offerings, the gifts, prayer, and faith. As with the greatest commandment and the greatest law, God desires that through charity and service—feeding, giving, caring for the poor and needy brothers and neighbors—people may learn to honor one another, cherish one another, and serve one another, thereby fulfilling the love of the cross that conforms them to God. This is the hope of Christ and the repentance of Christ.
Therefore, it is not the repeated reflections and repentances of those bound to the flesh and the world—those who, according to their selfish standards and self-serving desires, can only continue sinning and regretting, becoming trained by sin, growing indifferent to sin, or becoming emboldened toward sin—that constitute true repentance. Such empty reflections and repetitions of repentance within the vicious cycle of sin have no value and cannot be the repentance worthy of rebirth in Christ.
What worth is there in repentance and reflection that always returns to sin? What meaning lies in repentance and reflection that lead only to sinning again? Even in human value, repentance and reflection exist so that through will and resolution, one may not commit the same sins again. But what meaning can repentance and reflection have for those who, though they repent and regret, live lives that inevitably fall back into sin according to their worldly desires and interests?
What, then, is the true baptism of Christ? It is the repentance of those who abandon every worldly ideal, hope, and goal born of fleshly desires and cravings, and instead, centered on the hope and aim of the cross of love that leads to salvation, vow to live the life of Christ. It is the repentance of those who, in sacrifice, surrender all their worldly lives, values, wishes, hopes, and cravings, and who, through charity and service that feeds, gives, and cares for poor and needy brothers, live in mutual concern, mutual cherishing, and mutual service.
This repentance exists in those who do not pursue worldly and fleshly things where greed and desire unceasingly arise, but who instead turn away from the sinner’s path of vain faith where one always sins, regrets, and sins again. It is the repentance and circumcision of heart that belongs to those who walk the spiritual life—the life of the cross—together with the tears, pains, and sufferings of their brothers. It is the repentance of those who confess and renounce all the ways and sins of their worldly lives, resolving never again to live a life of sin driven by desire and lust, but instead to live not for themselves, but for Christ—confessing and vowing to follow His example, to care for and look after the tears, pains, and sorrows of their poor and needy brothers, and to live the life of a true Christian in spirit.
Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.(Deuteronomy 10 : 15~16)
Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel.(Ezekiel 44 : 9)
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.(Acts 7 : 51)
To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.(Jeremiah 6 : 10)
To cast away all my worldly hopes, desires, successes, satisfactions, dreams, and cravings that can only heap up sin, and instead to pursue the suffering, sacrifice, and love of the cross—with the hope and aim in the heart to live a true Christian life in which sin must come to an end, a life that alone is worthy to lead to salvation—this is called the circumcision of the heart and the true baptism of Christ. To receive a baptism of the hands does not mean that one has received the forgiveness of sins. Rather, such a one testifies that he belongs to the Law, that he is obligated to keep the Law. For the Law makes sin known, and such a person testifies that he is under sin, proving thereby that he has not received forgiveness of sins. Therefore, because those who are under the Law have not obtained the love of the cross that alone leads to salvation, they shall not have forgiveness of sins, and on the Day of Judgment the Law will condemn them according to their deeds.
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.(Galatians 5 : 3~4)
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.(Galatians 5 : 5~6)
If there are those who cannot easily understand this meaning, then it is because, whether teacher or learner, whoever they may be, they are ones who have not received the forgiveness of sins and are destined for judgment, for they have not stood upon the Law. One who stands upon the Law can save those who are under the Law, but one who is bound within the Law can never save another who is likewise bound within the Law. It is like this: only one who stands upon dry ground outside the mire can rescue one who has fallen into it; but one who is also within the mire cannot rescue another who has fallen there.
Thus the Lord gave the parable, saying that it is like the blind leading the blind. Moreover, the true baptism of Christ is this: to abandon the worldly and fleshly desires, satisfactions, and cravings, and to build the temple of the heart according to the will of God, by following the love of the cross that alone leads to salvation, and by walking step by step before God in pursuit of the hope and aim of Christ. This is not the proof of the forgiveness of sins, but it is the baptism itself, as the Word clearly testifies.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:(1 Peter 3 : 21)
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.(Philippians 3 : 11~16)
The circumcision of the heart (baptism) means casting away all things of the world and of the flesh, and step by step drawing near to God in faith according to the hope of Christ, which follows the suffering and sacrifice of the cross that is worthy of salvation. For God is love, and therefore all things exist in love and are obtained through love; salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and even the very reason why we were created, all exist so that we might be brought to fulfill love and become the eternal children of God.
Yet today, religion has given a false meaning and interpretation, putting forward a baptism that has nothing to do with love but is only formal and ritualistic, teaching that by baptism alone one receives the forgiveness of sins, becomes the people of Christ, and becomes children of God. In truth, however, it is nothing but the circumcision of the hands—a law that has already been abolished and has nothing to do with fulfilling love. Such baptism is merely a pretext and a tool for the legalists, who, by exalting and deifying their religion, exploit baptism to steal tithes and offerings through the perversion of the Law.
Such baptism tramples upon the will of God, who sent the love of the cross into the world as the sign of salvation and resurrection. It denies the blood and love of Christ, who laid down His very life in order to abolish the forms of the Law—the worship, feasts, and rituals that could not fulfill love—and to establish the covenant by which all sins are covered by love, leading to salvation by following love alone. Thus, it is nothing but the vain doctrines and ideologies of religions that make themselves enemies of God, a baptism utterly opposed to the will of God. (Galatians 6:12–13) (Galatians 5:5–6) (Galatians 5:3–4) (Romans 2:17–29).
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.(Ephesians 2 : 12~18)
By the blood of Christ all the imperfect laws were abolished, for they were nothing more than outward forms—worship and hand-baptism of merely superficial value. Instead, He has given us the perfect truth as the true sign of salvation and resurrection, making us worthy to become the children of God. And this truth is the love of the cross, even unto the giving of His own life.
The cunning and abominable repentance and baptism of Christianity and Catholicism (the Roman Church):
First, by putting forward the pretense of granting the forgiveness of sins, they established hand-baptism in order to engrave upon people’s minds the notion that they themselves and their religion are true Christianity.
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.(Galatians 6 : 12~13)
Second, it is hand-baptism established in order to imprint upon the believers the image of their lofty appearance, as a pretense to deify themselves, making themselves objects of service and reverence (deification).
Third, it is hand-baptism devised so that, by presenting themselves as exalted ones who grant the forgiveness of sins, they might compel believers into excessive loyalty and unconditional obedience, thereby amassing for themselves (pastors and elders) abundance, power, and wealth through increased tithes and offerings.
Fourth, it is hand-circumcision (hand-baptism) created to rationalize their theft, lies, greed, and lawlessness that deviate from the Word, by exalting and boasting in the mere outward appearance of holiness and kindness, which is nothing more than fleshly display.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.(2 Timothy 3 : 5~8)
Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways. Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these. Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.(Jeremiah 2 : 32~35)
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.(Colossians 2 : 18~19)
What, then, are all the baptisms practiced today in Christianity and in the Roman Church? They are vain hand-baptisms (hand-circumcisions) devised through the cunning and schemes of those who have stolen the tithes and offerings meant to feed the flock, created as false pretexts to deceive the eyes and ears of the sheep. Instead of building the temple of the heart through the love of the cross—whereby, through charity and service, one feeds, gives, cares for, and lives in mutual honor, cherishing, and serving—they have fabricated baptisms that are nothing more than empty forms. These baptisms are the invention of thieves who refuse to practice the beautiful love of the cross that feeds, gives, and cares for, which alone is the true sign of salvation and resurrection.