Joshua 5:1-12 Preparedness Handout

Joshua 5:1-12 Preparedness

• What are some examples of jobs that people might have that require some sort of prerequisite knowledge, skills, degrees, certificates, or training? What are those skills or training?

The Background

• What did God command Abraham to do in Genesis 17:9-14?

• What was commanded in Leviticus 12:1-3?

• What did circumcision signify?

Thinking

• According to Romans 12:9-12, circumcision served not to bring righteousness, but as a sign of the righteousness that had already been bestowed. Witmer argues,

Therefore, Paul argued, the sign of circumcision was a seal of Abraham’s being declared righteous because of his faith which he received while he was still uncircumcised (lit., “in uncircumcision”). Circumcision, as a “sign” or “seal,” was an outward token of the justification Abraham had already received. God’s purpose was that Abraham be the father of all who believe and are thereby justified. This included both the uncircumcised (Gentiles) and the circumcised (Jews). Jews must do more than be circumcised to be right with God. They must also walk in the footsteps of … faith, like Abraham (cf. 2:28–29). Obviously, then, the rite of circumcision, which many Jews rely on for salvation, contributes in no way to one’s status before God. It gives them no special standing before Him because they must be declared righteous on the basis of faith in God.