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2.2 Milah - Circumcision - The first recorded mention of the apostles, elders, and the church, are collectively referred to in Acts 15 as the "Jerusalem Council." Their decision there dealt with the necessity of the Pharisaic conversion of new believers from the nations who were erroneously told that they would not have eternal life unless they converted through that ritual of which circumcision was only the first step. The topic of "circumcision" in the apostolic writings is invariably misunderstood due to the complexity of various paradigms involved in understanding 1st century Judaisms through current glasses of accepted "traditional" Christian theology. Much information is available today that should reset the "common" and "accepted" paradigms concerning phrases such as "circumcision" and "works of law," and it is the goal of the Jerusalem Council today to continue in the spirit and tradition of the first council, in relationship to resolving the theological errors of our day by discussion, deliberation, and publication of the facts that are available for anyone to investigate.
- 2.2.1 Definition of Necessity for Positional Righteousness
- As commonly understood and accepted within the body of Messiah worldwide, and agreed to by this site, the scriptural commandment of circumcision is not necessary for one to obtain positional right standing with HaShem and thus receive eternal life. It never was, and never will be. Abraham was circumcised after HaShem declared him righteous by his faith on the Word of HaShem. (Gen 15:6, Gen 17:10)
- 2.2.2 Definition of Necessity for Behavioral Righteousness
- Not addressed by the first Jerusalem Council, is the necessity of believers from the nations to fulfill the scriptural commandment of circumcision from a behavioral righteousness standpoint. The commandment is clear: "This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised." (Gen 17:10). Believers are reckoned as Abraham's seed: "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal 3:29). So then, although circumcision is not a requirement for positional right standing with HaShem, it is a requirement for those who are Abraham's seed, and who desire to "walk blameless." (Gen 17:1).
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