Romans 4:10: How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.
Abraham’s age when he was declared righteous (Gen. 15:6) is not stated. But later when Hagar bore him Ishmael, he was 86 (Gen. 16:16). After that, God instructed Abraham to perform the rite of circumcision on all his male descendants as a sign of God’s covenant with him; this was done when Abraham was 99 (Gen. 17:24). Therefore the circumcision of Abraham followed his justification by faith by more than 13 years. 1
Abraham met God, trusted God, and was declared righteous by God on the basis of his faith. After that, he and his descendants were marked by circumcision as a sign and seal of their “set-apartness” to God. At that point only did there become two categories of people: Jews, and everyone else (Gentiles; the Heb. is hagoyim, “the nations”). 2
Application
- Is God looking for your faith or performance to verify your salvation?
- Would you consider “love” to be the best outward sign for any Christian to possess?
Prayer
Lord, thank you that the burden of proof for my salvation is not on me, but upon You. I believe in Your work for me on the Cross.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
2. Boa, K., & Kruidenier, W. (2000). Romans (Vol. 6). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.