(21) And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (22) And when the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (23) (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) (24) And to offer a sacrifice, according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.
It is blessed, yea, very blessed, to behold Christ being put into our law-room and place, thus entering upon his work in redeeming his people. As such, circumcision was the first rite in the Church, for admission into the covenant. See Genesis 17:10-14. Christ therefore, by virtue of this rite, became a debtor to the whole law to fulfil it. This proved him to be under the law, and a son of Abraham, according to the flesh. And his presentation in the temple, became a further testimony. And with Christ the rite ceased forever. For as Christ, by virtue of it, became a debtor to the whole law, and fulfilled it in his own person, so he virtually freed his Church from the rite forever. Hence the Apostle saith, Behold I Paul, say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Galatians 5:1-6. See Leviticus 12:3-6; Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:13.