Answer: Christians are heavenly men, and it is a reproach to such that the ways of Egypt (man in nature and under Satan’s power), out of which they have been taken by redemption, should be seen in them. In Jordan (typically considered) we have our being dead and risen with Christ and introduced into heavenly places in Him.
Circumcision then followed (see Joshua 5), for it never was done in the wilderness, where we may walk in grace and faithfulness. But the moment we are “heavenly” another thing comes in.
Thus it is plainly seen that we are dead and risen with Christ (Col. 3:33For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)) and that we bear the marks of our heavenly citizenship. Every trace of Egyptian bondage has been clean rolled away.
Suppose, then, that you see one who is a Christian running after the world and its fashions and follies. Well, you say, “You may be dead and risen with Christ, but you had better go to Gilgal and have that reproach to His name rolled away by the practical putting to death of your members.”
F. G. Patterson (adapted from Words of Truth)