Galatians 4:4-5
4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.[a]
Circumcision was the physical sign of those who belonged to the people of God under the first covenant. You entered this covenant by physical birth.
Circumcision was the physical sign of being called by God, but, like the first covenant, was only temporary.
Circumcision was a temporary, physical procedure marking those who were dedicated to God by others.
Baptism is a permanent, spiritual procedure marking those who have dedicated themselves to God.
-Simeon was a godly man, under the law, who pointed out that Jesus was the Messiah.
Two Promises:
Luke 2:28-32
Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
Luke 2:38
She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
APPLICATION:
Are you more interested in a manageable list of religious duties to accomplish so you can get on with your life?
Are you willing to offer God, not just your ceremonies but your entire heart and life?
If so, then you need to follow Jesus’ example and every other person who followed Jesus in the entire Bible by being baptized.
You need to bury the old you, and commit the rest of this you, to following Jesus.