Moreover, we learn from the Scripture itself, that God gave circumcision, not as the completer of righteousness, but as a sign, that the race of Abraham might continue recognizable. For it declares: “God said unto Abraham, Every male among you shall be circumcised; and you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskins, as a token of the covenant between Me and you.” (Gen 17:9-11) This same does Ezekiel the prophet say with regard to the Sabbaths: “Also I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord, that sanctify them.” (Ez 20:12) And in Exodus, God says to Moses: “And you shall observe My Sabbaths; for it shall be a sign between Me and you for your generations.” (Ex 21:13) These things, then, were given for a sign; but the signs were not unsymbolical, that is, neither unmeaning nor to no purpose, inasmuch as they were given by a wise Artist; but the circumcision after the flesh typified that after the Spirit. For “we,” says the apostle, “have been circumcised with the circumcision made without hands.” (Col 2:11) And the prophet declares, “Circumcise the hardness of your heart.” — Book IV, Chapter 16
Continuing in the tradition of my daily posts, I expect to post a short excerpt from the Church Fathers every day in 2008.
In the document Apostolic Succession in the PNCC we read:
The Polish National Catholic Church has the same type of government that Christ gave to the apostles, has the same faith that He deposited with them, believes in the doctrine, government, and worship of the primitive Apostolic Church.
The doctrine of the Polish National Catholic Church is founded on the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Traditions, and the dogmatic decisions of the first Seven Ecumenical Councils.
The Holy Scriptures are interpreted strictly in accordance with the teachings of the first Seven Ecumenical Councils and the Holy Fathers of the Catholic Church.
Therefore, I pray that these brief excerpts will be enlightening to you and in keeping with the Holy Faith of our Church.