Romans 4:9-12 NKJV – [Does] this blessedness then [come] upon the circumcised [only], or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? 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 still] uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only [are] of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham [had while still] uncircumcised.
V9 [Does] this blessedness then [come] upon the circumcised [only], or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
Since Israel is the direct descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they thought that God’s salvation is only for Jews and Gentile converts. Paul makes it clear that Abraham was not a Jew or a Mosaic law keeper. He is called a Hebrew (Genesis 14:13).
The blessedness is all spiritual benefits including justification, reconciliation with God, and freed from the wrath of God.
V10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.
It is important that circumcision did not bring righteousness. Abraham was circumcised after faith, after righteousness was accounted to him, and before the Law was given. This was also taught by the prophets (Habakkuk 2:4).
Schaff: “Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. The ‘reckoning’ took place (Genesis 15:6) at least fourteen years before the circumcision of Abraham (Genesis 17:25); consequently the latter was the Divine ratification of grace already received, not the effective cause or condition of the bestowal of grace.”
V11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had while still] uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also…
Circumcision is a sign for Jewish males in the covenant with God (Genesis 17:5-11).
Faith came first.
God’s purpose was to include the Gentiles past and present to have an opportunity to be justified.
A father is a spiritual ancestor, the first of his class. Many were saved before Abraham but now the condition for salvation, being reckoned justified, has been clearly revealed.
Imputation is when something is credited to one’s account. Dictionary of Religion and Ethics, Mathews/Smith: “IMPUTATION.—A theological term borrowed from judicial practices by which God is represented, because of certain conditions, as attributing to men adequate grounds for the assignment of punishment or reward.
Paul teaches that God imputes the faith of the believer to him as righteousness. “Various theologians hold that God imputes to the believer the merits of Christ, or the righteousness of Christ. On the basis of this imputation, which is wholly by grace, and is made ethically possible by the atonement wrought by Christ, God is free to justify the believer.”
V12 …and the father of circumcision to those who not only [are] of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham [had while still] uncircumcised.
Abraham is the father of the circumcision (Jews) for both physical blessings and spiritual blessings (salvation, etc.). Abraham is the father of Gentiles being the one who believed for salvation.
Walking in the steps of refers to living a life of faith and obedience before God.
We learn:
- Circumcision has no benefit without faith.
- Both Jews and Gentiles need to believe like Abraham.
Questions:
- Have you believed in Jesus alone for salvation?
- Are you relying on sacraments, rituals, and good works?
—AI rewrite
V9: Does this blessedness then only come upon the circumcised, or also upon the uncircumcised? For we assert that faith was credited to Abraham for righteousness.
Since Israel is the direct descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they believed that God’s salvation was reserved for Jews and Gentile converts. However, Paul clarifies that Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Mosaic law keeper. He is referred to as a Hebrew in Genesis 14:13.
The blessedness encompasses spiritual benefits, including justification, reconciliation with God, and freedom from God’s wrath.
V10: How then was it accounted? Was it while he was circumcised, or while he was uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.
It is crucial to understand that circumcision did not confer righteousness. Abraham was circumcised after faith, after righteousness was credited to him, and before the Law was given. This principle was also taught by the prophets (Habakkuk 2:4).
Schaff emphasizes that the “reckoning” took place at least fourteen years before Abraham’s circumcision (Genesis 15:6) and that the latter was the divine ratification of grace already received, not the effective cause or condition of its bestowal.
V11: And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith he had while still uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all those who believe, even though they are uncircumcised, so that righteousness might be imputed to them also…
Circumcision holds significance as a sign for Jewish males in the covenant with God (Genesis 17:5-11).
Faith came first.
God’s purpose was to include both Jews and Gentiles in the past and present, providing them with an opportunity for justification.
A father is a spiritual ancestor, the first of his class. Many were saved before Abraham, but now the condition for salvation, being reckoned justified, has been clearly revealed.
Imputation is the process of attributing something to one’s account. According to the Dictionary of Religion and Ethics, Mathews/Smith, imputation is a theological term borrowed from judicial practices. In these practices, God is portrayed as attributing to individuals adequate grounds for punishment or reward under certain conditions.
Paul teaches that God imputes the faith of believers to them as righteousness. Various theologians believe that God imputes the merits and righteousness of Christ to believers. This imputation, which is entirely by grace and made ethically possible by Christ’s atonement, enables God to justify believers.
In verse 12, the passage refers to the father of circumcision, who is not only of the circumcision but also walks in the steps of the faith that our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. Abraham is considered the father of both Jews and Gentiles, as he was the one who believed in salvation. Walking in the steps of refers to living a life of faith and obedience before God.
- From this passage, we learn that circumcision has no benefit without faith. Both Jews and Gentiles need to believe like Abraham.
Questions:
- Have you believed in Jesus alone for salvation?
- Are you relying on sacraments, rituals, and good works?