Romans 4:9-12

Text

Romans 4:9-12. Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcision, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness. Romans 4:10 How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision: Romans 4:11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them; Romans 4:12 and the father of circumcision to them who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had in uncircumcision.

REALIZING ROMANS, Romans 4:9-12

143.

Why mention circumcision?

144.

Give the meaning of the word reckoned as in Romans 4:9.

145.

Paul is going to prove something by showing that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised; what is it?

146.

Circumcision is here called a sign and a sealwhat does this indicate as to its importance-or lack of importance?

147.

Abraham became the father of all who believe at the time in which he was circumcised. Explain how.

148.

Abraham can be the father of those in uncircumcision. This was a terrible thought to the Jew. Why?

149.

What is the meaning of the expression, Walk in the steps of that faith. ?

Paraphrase

Romans 4:9-12. Cometh this blessedness, then, of the Lord's not punishing sin, on persons in the visible church [assembly of Israel] only? or on persons out of the visible church also? Certainly on them also. For we affirm, that faith was counted to Abraham for righteousness, in uncircumcision.

Romans 4:10 What state then was Abraham in, when it was so counted? When he was in circumcision or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. For it happened long before he and his family were made the church of God by circumcision.

Romans 4:11 And instead of being justified by circumcision, he received the mark of circumcision on his body after his justification, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he exercised in uncircumcision, in order to his being made the federal head of all them who believe out of the visible church, to assure us that the righteousness of faith shall be counted even to them, by virtue of God's promise to him:

Romans 4:12 Also the federal head of the circumcised, that is, of those who are in the visible church, to assure us that righteousness shall be counted to them who do not rest contented with being of the visible church only, but who also walk in the footsteps of that faith and obedience which our father Abraham exercised in uncircumcision; that is, while he was no member of God's visible church.

Summary

The blessedness of justification by belief, is for Jews and Gentiles alike. Abraham was justified before he was circumcised, his circumcision being a seal of that fact. Hence justification does not depend on circumcision. Abraham is father to all who believe in an uncircumcised state, as well as to all the circumcised who walk in his steps.

Comment

Since the discussion has been concerned with Abraham, David also being mentioned, are we to conclude that only to the circumcised has the blessing or justification through faith been given? Or is it given to the uncircumcised also? This can be answered from the very illustration given, for we must realize WHEN Abraham was declared righteous. Was it when he was circumcised or before his circumcision? Ah, you know, it was before circumcision. If you will but consider for a moment you will remember that circumcision was given to Abraham as a seal or a sign of the fact that God had justified him. Then because of Abraham's submission to this rite as a token of God's covenant with him, he became the spiritual head of all in the world who have faith like his. cp. Genesis 17:11. He did become the father of all who, although not circumcised, had a belief like Abraham and through this faith were justified. And likewise he became the father of the Jew who was not only circumcised but also walked by faith, faith like that exercised by Abraham while he was yet in uncircumcision. Romans 4:9-12