Genesis 17 · a question people ask
Does circumcision have anything to do with baptism?
The New Testament says Christians don't need to be circumcised: "in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision amounts to anything" (Galatians 5:6). Paul connects the two in Colossians 2:11-12. Protestants agree on that much, and differ on what it means for who is baptized.
How Christians read it
Where Christians differ, Favor sets out the main views side by side and doesn't pick one.
Baptism takes circumcision's place, for families
As circumcision was given to Abraham's household, including infants "eight days old" (17:12), so baptism is given to believers and their children. Colossians links "the circumcision of Christ" with being "buried with him in baptism" (2:11-12), and Peter says "the promise is to you and to your children" (Acts 2:39).
Genesis 17:12 · Colossians 2:11-12 · Acts 2:39
Baptism follows faith
The new covenant sign is for those who believe. Peter says, "Repent and be baptized" (Acts 2:38); "those who gladly received his word were baptized" (2:41); and people were baptized "when they believed" (8:12). Colossians ties baptism to being raised "through faith" (2:12).
Acts 2:38 · Acts 2:41 · Acts 8:12 · Colossians 2:12
The verses
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision amounts to anything, but faith working through love.”
“In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”