Circumcision marked God’s people as being separated and consecrated unto him and, consequently, as being in union with him and with each other in covenant-family and community relationships (Ex. 12:48; Deut. 30:6; Jer. 4:4; 9:26). The rite of circumcision necessarily involved the shedding of blood, and was one of numerous Old Testament signs that prefigured the blood that would be required of Christ in order for our sins to be removed (cf. Heb. 9:22). . Because God’s promises