Chapter 27
THE TRUE CIRCUMCISION
(THE ONE OF THE HEART)
(Galatians 6:14-15
Before we begin our study of the true circumcision let us pray,
Dear Heavenly Father, Almighty God
We come before You in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Father God, please help us understand, accept and cherish the salvation You extend to us through Your only begotten Son Jesus Christ. Father God please move upon us to see and follow the truths You are teaching us.
Amen
INTRODUCTION
In our previous study we were warned to beware of the false circumcision. The Holy Spirit's concern was that many Jewish people believed and taught that physical circumcision was a necessary requirement for salvation. The error of this belief or teaching is summarized in,
Romans 2:28-29
"[28] A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. [29] No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God."
In our previous study we also discovered that the belief or teaching for any self abasement, tradition or ritual to be necessary for our salvation is likewise in error. To refresh our memory let us read from,
Colossians 2:23
"[23] Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."
With this short recap of our previous study as a background let us now explore what the Bible teaches us about the,
THE TRUE CIRCUCISION
To do this we begin by reading the following Scriptures from Paul's letter to the Galatians,
Galatians 6:12-15
"[12] Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. [13] Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. [14] May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. [15] Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation."
The key verse for this study is what Paul wrote in,
Galatians 6:14
"[14] May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
In other words, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, Paul became detached from the things and ways of this world. Isn't this the attitude that all true born again believers of Jesus Christ should have? Isn't this the true call on our life? To see this let us prayerfully read the following parables our Lord gave us concerning the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 13:44-46
""[44] The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. [45] "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."
To expand upon this let us read from,
1 John 2:15-17
[15] Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
From our previous studies we also come to realize that our Lord is not only teaching us about the attitude we must have towards the material things or secular activities of our life but also the attitude we must have towards various spiritual merit badges and/or activities. These badges and/or activities might include things like: (1) our position within the church, (2) our spiritual gifts, etc. To refresh our memories about these types of idols let us read how Paul viewed his spiritual merit badges,
Philippians 3:2-11
"[2] Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. [3] For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh-- [4] though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. [7] But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. [10] I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
Let us notice the following verses,
3 … To determine his spirituality the Apostle Paul placed no confidence in outward or external appearances. As we read in Romans, the true circumcision is not in the flesh but one in the heart.
4-6 … In reflecting upon the list of Paul's Jewish merit badges one can not help but be impressed.
7-11 … As impressive the above badges were, Paul considered them to be rubbish. He viewed his knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ to be more precious than the temporary honors he had on this earth. Paul realized and now teaches us that the only righteousness that counts is the one that, through faith, comes to us from God. Paul's only desire was to know Christ and be like Him. He knew and now teaches us that our only hope of salvation lies in our knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ.
It is with this knowledge and understanding that the Apostle Paul wrote the following truth to the Galatians,
Galatians 6:15
"[15] Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation."
Now some might ask; “What does it mean to be a new creation?
To find out we begin by reading what Jesus once said to Nicodemus. This conversation is recorded for us in,
John 3:1-10
"[1] Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. [2] He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." [3] In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." [4] "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" [5] Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." [9] "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. [10] "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things?"
Let us notice the following verses,
1 … Nicodemus, being a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, was a very learned man in the Jewish faith and a very respected teacher of the Law.
3 … Jesus avoided Nicodemus’ observation and immediately addressed the issue of eternal life. Namely, to enter the Kingdom of God you must be born again.
4 … Nicodemus did not understand.
6 … Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. In other words, in the normal course of things, we are flesh descended from Adam. However, it is God the Holy Spirit who gives birth to the spirit. Namely, it is only God that imparts His divine nature in us and makes us spiritually alive. This is the new birth or new creation.
9 … Nicodemus still did not understand.
10 … Jesus is surprised that Nicodemus did not understand these things.
Let us stop for a moment and reflect upon this incredible conversation. Here we find Nicodemus, a wise and respected teacher of the Old Testament Scriptures and the Jewish faith came to the realization that Jesus was sent by God. Consequently, he goes to talk with Him. In response to Nicodemus’ inquiry, Jesus presents the whole key to eternal life and is surprised that Nicodemus was not aware of it. Why? Why was Jesus surprised? It is because the whole Old Testament, from the fall of Adam and Eve onward, talks about it. It foretells of the time when He, God, would come to heal us and bring us back to His Kingdom.
For example let us read the following prophecy given by the prophet Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
[31] “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—[32] not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. [33] But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [34] No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
Let us notice the following verses,
33-34 … This is the new creation. This is the true circumcision. This is the description of the true born again Christian. This is the person who is no longer dead in their sins but alive to God in Christ Jesus. This is the person who is a citizen of Heaven and destined to spend eternal life with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Before we close this chapter and our study of the book of Galatians the question to be asked is: “Have you have been born again of the Holy Spirit?”
If you do not believe that you have or if you are not sure or if you would like to reaffirm your faith what better time will there be to settle the issue than now? To help you do this let us review the,
CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR THE NEW BIRTH
In reading the New Testament we find that the following five conditions are necessary for the new birth to occur:
1. We must believe Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God.
2. We must recognize that we are sinners and incapable of saving ourselves. Thus, we need God’s Mercy that is we need a Savior.
3. We must believe that Jesus Christ came to save us. In other words is He is our Lord and Savior.
4. We must believe that on the cross Jesus bore our sins and through His death and bodily resurrection He saved us from them.
5. We must exercise our belief and by faith call upon Jesus Christ to save us.
Even though these conditions are presented in a particular sequence, it is noted that this was out of editorial necessity. However, God is sovereign and chooses the order and circumstances by which He brings those whom He calls to the required beliefs and actions for their new birth. Let us now explore each one of these five conditions in a bit more depth.
The first condition for our new birth is that we must believe that,
JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONE AND ONLY SON OF GOD
To see this, consider what Jesus once said to Nicodemus as recorded in,
John 3:16
""[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Let us now read what He once said to the Jews then, and now us,
John 8:23-24
"[23] But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. [24] I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.""
As we read the Scriptures, we find that this belief in itself is not enough. The reason for this is that the Bible shows us that even the demons believe in who Jesus is. As a witness to this fact, let us read what the demons said before Jesus cast them out of two men and into a large herd of pigs.
Matthew 8:28-29
"[28] When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. [29] "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?""
Notice the demons clearly knew and believed that Jesus is the Son of God. Obviously, for our salvation and new birth, more is needed.
This brings us to the second condition necessary for our new birth. Namely, we must recognize that each and everyone one of us is a sinner and needs the Mercy of God to save us. In other words we must believe that,
AS SINNERS WE NEED GOD’S MERCY, WHO IS OUR SAVIOR
To see the importance of this, let us consider the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee.
Luke 18:9-14
"[9] To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: [10] "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' [13] "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' [14] "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.""
Let us notice the following verses,
11-12 … The Pharisees were very learned men in the Jewish faith and had good head knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. In addition, they were extremely careful and diligent to observe all the ordinances and laws of the Temple and Temple services. Consequently, this Pharisee did not consider himself to be a sinner. In fact, rather than humbly approaching God and asking for His Mercy, he was in effect boasting of his righteousness.
13 … The tax collector believed he was a sinner and humbly came before God to seek His Mercy.
14 … Notice how God views the self righteous.
This issue of recognizing that you and I are sinners is the whole reason why God, through Moses, gave us the Law, which is the Ten Commandments. To see this, consider what the Holy Spirit says to us in,
Romans 3:19-20
"[19] Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. [20] Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."
Let us notice the following verses,
19 … The Law was not given so you and I might be able to justify ourselves through it, that is to show how good we are by complying with its demands. No, it was given to hold us accountable to God by showing us how short we fall to its demands. In other words, it was given to expose our sin.
Therefore,
20 … No one will be declared righteous by observing the law. Instead, through the law we become aware of our sin. Thus, by the Law, we discover the things we have said, thought or did that were and are offensive to God.
In reflecting upon the above we find that the Law was put into effect so that through it we would recognize our sinful state. God’s purpose for this was, as the tax collector sought God’s Mercy, we, by faith would go to Jesus Christ and receive God’s Mercy and Grace. To see this let us read from,
Galatians 3:24
"[24] So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith."
This leads us to the third condition required for our new birth. Specifically, we must believe and accept the fact that,
JESUS CHRIST IS OUR SAVIOR
Because of God's Love, Mercy and Grace God the Father sent God the Son, who is Jesus Christ to this earth to save you and me from our deadly disease called sin. To see this, let us carefully consider what Jesus said to the Pharisees while He was having dinner in Matthew's house. Jesus’ conversation is recorded in,
Matthew 9:10-13
"[10] While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. [11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" [12] On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.""
There are many lessons to be learned from this encounter. However, for this particular study, let us focus on the principle that we must consider ourselves deathly ill with a disease called sin and in need of the doctor, Jesus Christ. If we believe all is well and we are righteous then, as Jesus implied, He is of no value to us. Also notice, Jesus did not say we are to get well before we come to Him. Instead, Jesus said we are to come to Him and He will heal our disease, which is save us from our sin. We must remember that it was for this very purpose He came. To see this, let us read what Paul wrote to Timothy in,
1 Timothy 1:15-16
"[15] Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. [16] But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."
This now brings us to the fourth condition necessary for our new birth or salvation of our souls. Specifically, we must believe that,
ON THE CROSS JESUS BORE OUR SINS
In other words, we must believe that through Jesus’ death and resurrection He made the perfect atonement for you and me. His resurrection assures us that He is truly the Son of God, is alive and interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25) and that His sacrifice was accepted. In other words, Jesus made the perfect and complete amends for the forgiveness of our sins. In addition, He also paid the price of redemption so we could be released from the bondage of Satan and sin. For us to better understand this glorious gift from God let us return to Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus and read what else Jesus had to say about the new birth. To do this we go to,
John 3:14-15
"[14] Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, [15] that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
To better understand what Jesus meant by lifting up the snake and how it applies to His saving us from our sins, let us go to the Old Testament and read about the incident He referred to.
The incident concerning the snake occurred during the later portion of Israel's exodus from Egypt. At the time of the incident the people of Israel had been travelling in the desert for many years. In fact, by this time Aaron, Moses' brother, had already died. Their journey had been a very difficult one. The majority of the time the only solid food they had for nourishment was the thin wafers of manna that each morning God miraculously provided for them. With this background, let us now read what happened.
Numbers 21:4-9
"[4] They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; [5] they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" [6] Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. [7] The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people. [8] The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." [9] So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived."
Let us notice the following verses,
4-5 … The people grew impatient and sinned against God and Moses. Rather than believing and trusting that God delivered them from Egypt to save them from Pharaoh’s tyranny, they believed God led them into the desert to kill them. Not only did they lose or not have faith in God, but also felt He meant to harm them.
6 … As a result of their terrible sin, God became angry and sent poisonous snakes to bite and kill the people.
7 … The Israelites confessed their sin. In other words, they admitted they were in grave error and asked Moses to ask God to have mercy and forgive them.
8 … God’s response to Moses’ prayer was for him to make a snake and put it on a pole. He also told Moses that whoever would look up at the snake would live.
9 … Moses followed God’s command and God fulfilled His promise.
How does all this relate to us and Jesus? To see the analogy, let us remember that because of the people’s sin, they were bitten by a snake and would die. The same with us when we are bitten by sin … we die,
Romans 6:23
"[23] For the wages of sin is death … "
In the above incident, after the people confessed their sin and asked for mercy, Moses was told to put a snake, which was a symbol of their sin, on a pole for the people to look at. When Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross and lifted up, it was our sin that was placed upon His flesh for us to see.
1 Peter 2:24
"[24] He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, …"
In returning to the incident with Israel, remember that when they looked upon the snake they were healed. The same it is with us. When you and I, through faith, see Jesus on the cross bearing our own personal sins we too are healed. To see this, let us return and complete our reading of,
1 Peter 2:24
"[24] He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."
This brings us to the fifth and last condition for our new birth that is,
BY FAITH WE MUST PRAY TO JESUS TO SAVE IS
In other words, as the Israelites, we too must confess to Jesus Christ that we are a sinner. We must confess to Him that we have transgressed against His commands and laws. We must be so sorry for this condition that we not only ask Jesus Christ to forgive us but also save us from the power that sin has over us. In other words, we are to be so fed up and horrified with our unrighteousness that we submit to Jesus Christ's lordship and ask Him for forgiveness and to save us from our sins.
When we do this, Jesus Christ will send the Holy Spirit to live and dwell inside us. This is the new birth, which is the true circumcision. When this happens, we become a child of God and by His Grace and Mercy are saved. In fact, this is exactly what Jesus was telling the Jews during the great Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. To read what Jesus said we go to,
John 7:37-39
"[37] On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. [38] Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." [39] By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive…"
Let us notice the following verses,
37(a) … Jesus was not referring to the thirst for physical water. Instead, he was referring to the thirst for righteousness, holiness and for God.
37(b) … If you thirst for these things go to Jesus and ask Him for a drink of this spiritual water.
38 … If we believe and have faith in Jesus Christ we are go to Him and Jesus will fill us with streams of living water that will flow from within us.
39 … This living water is not physical water but the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit, this is the new birth!
SUMMARY
As we carefully reflect upon the above conditions necessary for our new birth, we find that they are beautifully summarized in,
Romans 10:9-13
"[9] That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. [11] As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." [12] For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, [13] for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.""
WATER BAPTISM
Once we are born again with God the Holy Spirit living within us we are to be water baptized. Jesus gave this command when He sent His disciples to preach to all the nations the good news of His arrival. This is recorded in,
Mark 16:15-16
"[15] He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
The subject of water baptism is another study. However, for this study the following two points must be made: (1) It is by faith we are saved and not the mere act of baptism and (2) Water baptism with faith in Jesus Christ plays an important role in our salvation and new birth.
The fact that we are saved by faith and not the mere act of baptism is best illustrated by the encounter Jesus had with the thief on the cross.
Luke 23:39-43
"[39] One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" [40] But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? [41] We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." [42] Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." [43] Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.""
Let us notice the following verses,
40 … Basically the thief was professing his reverent fear of God, in other words he believed in God.
41 … The thief, by stating that Jesus did no wrong, was saying that Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God, which is why He is being crucified, is true. In other words he is proclaiming Jesus to be Lord.
42 … The thief recognized Jesus was not from a kingdom of this earth and hence called out to Jesus to save him.
43 … Jesus assured the thief he will be with Him in Paradise.
In addition to the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to be baptized, the second point to be made is that baptism, with faith in Jesus Christ, is an important element of our new birth and the salvation of our souls. This is best illustrated by reading what the Apostle Peter said as he was relating our baptism to Noah and the flood.
1 Peter 3:20-22
"[20] … God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, [21] and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."
Perhaps the best way for us to receive a better understanding of what the Apostle Peter said is to read verse 21 as given in, “The Amplified Bible.”
“[21] And baptism, which is a figure [of their deliverance], does now also save you [from inward questionings and fears], not by the removal of outward body filth (bathing), but by [providing you with] the answer of a good and clear conscience [inward cleanness and peace] before God, [because you are demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
In other words, when we are baptized with faith in Jesus Christ we are demonstrating that our old self (the one without the Holy Spirit) has been crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). Thus, in the water of baptism we bury our old self. As we come through the water of baptism we demonstrate or proclaim that we have been born again with a new life. This new life is the one in which, through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit has come to live and dwell within us. To see this let us read what the Holy Spirit said about baptism in,
Romans 6:3-4
"[3] … don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
CONCLUSION
As we saw earlier in this study, by being born again, that is by the Holy Spirit coming to live inside us, we become a new creature, a new and different being. As we read earlier this is the true circumcision. To refresh our memory let us reread,
Galatians 6:15
"[15] Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation."
Let us now close this chapter by reading the following Psalm,
Psalm 32:1-7
"[1] Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. [2] Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. [3] When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. [4] For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah [5] Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah [6] Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. [7] You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."
Blessed be the Lord forever!
AMEN and AMEN