"The days are coming declares the Lord, when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the

Beginning with Abraham, circumcision was invested with religious significance. It signified the covenant relationship between God and his people. But it was only ever a sign. It did not make fact, what it signified. That would require the cooperation of its recipients. God has never been satisfied with external religion. Always, he looks for the whole person's dedication to his values--a religion of the heart.