Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Uncircumcised of heart; outward ordinances useless without inward conversion

It appears that the prophets and Apostles of the church throughout time have had different understanding than the leaders of the church when there aren't prophets and Apostles. Also, sometimes the common members have been dogmatic about certain things that the leaders have not. A great example of this is circumcision. Generally speaking, the Jews thought it incredibly important to be circumcised. There is some scriptural evidence of this, however, you must note that Moses actually said that it was terrible to be uncircumcised of heart (in other words, bad to not live the gospel inside) a couple times without commenting on the need to be circumcised ever. There's only one story (with his son) that shows circumcision is important, but multiple verses saying being a true Jew on the inside is important ("true Jew" meaning circumcised of heart).

Here's Leviticus 26:41 mentioning the need to be circumcised of heart:

And [that] I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Ezekiel 44 emphasizes the need to be circumcised in flesh and the heart:
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.

Also, the Book of Mormon and Romans both emphasize being circumcised of heart:
Here's Romans 2:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and acircumcision is that of the heart, in the bspirit, and not in the letter; whose praiseis not of men, but of God.
Here's 2 Nephi 9:33
33 Wo unto the auncircumcised of heart, for a knowledge of their iniquities shall smite them at the last day.
Being, in your heart, a follower of God is the true test. Outward ordinances (or outward confessions) are important, but worth nothing if the heart is in the wrong place. This is taught in all of the books of scriptures, Old and New Testament, and the Book of Mormon.

Have a great day.

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