Romans 4:9-15
9: Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “FAITH WAS CREDITED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”
10: How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised;
11: and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them,
12: and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.
13: For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14: For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;
15: for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.
Paul asked if the blessing (of forgiven sin) was just for the Jews. To answer, he pointed out that Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness to him before he was circumcised. The Lord didn’t instruct him to institute circumcision until he was 99 years old (Genesis 17:10). This was at least thirteen years after he had been justified by faith. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, and his Seed (Galatians 3:16). His righteousness came by faith so that he would be considered the father of all who believe, whether Jew or not. Whether circumcised or not.
The promise that Abraham would be heir of the world came through faith, not the Law. The Law was not given until Moses, centuries later. If the inheritance came through the Law, then that nullified the promise because it would void out faith. As long as the Law was in place, sin was evident and there was judgement on sin.
Paul addressed both circumcision and Law. Neither one brought righteousness. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant of faith God made with Abraham; and the Law was given to Moses as a standard to reveal and punish sin. The Law brought punishment on sin. Faith brings grace to inherit the promise of righteousness. Therefore, Abraham can be considered the father of all who believe, not just the Jews. As a father, he set the example of righteousness by faith and promise.
10: How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised;
11: and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them,
12: and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.
13: For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14: For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;
15: for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.
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Paul asked if the blessing (of forgiven sin) was just for the Jews. To answer, he pointed out that Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness to him before he was circumcised. The Lord didn’t instruct him to institute circumcision until he was 99 years old (Genesis 17:10). This was at least thirteen years after he had been justified by faith. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, and his Seed (Galatians 3:16). His righteousness came by faith so that he would be considered the father of all who believe, whether Jew or not. Whether circumcised or not.
The promise that Abraham would be heir of the world came through faith, not the Law. The Law was not given until Moses, centuries later. If the inheritance came through the Law, then that nullified the promise because it would void out faith. As long as the Law was in place, sin was evident and there was judgement on sin.
Paul addressed both circumcision and Law. Neither one brought righteousness. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant of faith God made with Abraham; and the Law was given to Moses as a standard to reveal and punish sin. The Law brought punishment on sin. Faith brings grace to inherit the promise of righteousness. Therefore, Abraham can be considered the father of all who believe, not just the Jews. As a father, he set the example of righteousness by faith and promise.
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