Scripture References for Our Holy Baptism
Comparison between Circumcision in the Old Testament and Baptism in the New Testament
God commanded Abraham to circumcise every male child on the eighth day of his birth. Circumcision was just a symbol for baptism. The following is a comparison between circumcision and baptism aiming to show the similarities between both.
FIRST
Every circumcised Jew was considered a member of God's people. It is the sign of the covenant between God and His people as God commanded Abraham saying:
"And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant." Genesis 17:14. In the New Testament, circumcision was transformed by Baptism, which is mandatory for every Christian to be considered a son of God and a member of the Church. Without Baptism, nobody can inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
SECOND
Every circumcised person was binding to the fulfillment of the commandments of the law of Moses, as St. Paul said to the Galatians: "And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law." Galatians 5:3. The Jewish boast because of circumcision and they did consider the commandments, although Moses the Prophet rebuked them saying.
"Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer." Deuteronomy 10:16. Baptism needs circumcision of heart. This means the purity of the heart by the Holy Spirit. Although Christians are not ought to be circumcised, but all baptized Christians must circumcise their hearts and all their senses. The circumcised heart is the pure heart, the mind does not think of evil, the ear does not hear bad words, etc.
THIRD
Every Jewish male baby was brought to be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. His parents named him at that day. The eighth day refers to Eternity because God created the world in six days and He rested in the seventh. The eighth day refers to a new age. Baptism also is a birth from above and it is the start of the new heavenly life and the new spiritual nature of every Christian. At that day, the baptized's name is recorded in the Book of Life in Heaven. So Christians must consider and celebrate this day for its importance.
FOURTH
In circumcision, the foreskin is taken away to die; in baptism, the person dies with Jesus to rise again with Him to live with a new nature, as St. Paul mentioned: "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4
FIFTH
Seven days after Jesus's birth, He was circumcised and drops of His blood were shed in front of all who were present, confirming that He has the same flesh as all of us. At that day He was named Jesus which means Savior because He was intending to redeem whoever believes in Him. Without the circumcision of Jesus, the circumcision of the holy fathers like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have no value, because the covenant was built on this foundation. Similarly, without the redemption and the shedding of the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the baptism of all Christians is ineffective and of no value.