Romans 4:9: 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 David has spoken of the joy of the man under law who has been forgiven, the answer of the Jew would be that David belonged to the circumcision and only the circumcision could expect this joy. For this reason Paul returns to Abraham to show that Abraham was justified before the Law was given and also before he was circumcised. 1
Abraham was declared righteous when he was in the state of uncircumcision. From the Jewish point of view, Abraham was a Gentile. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised (Gen. 17:23–27). This was more than thirteen years after the events in Genesis 15. The conclusion is obvious: circumcision had nothing to do with his justification. 2
Application
- Since you have faith to believe God for salvation, why is it so difficult to have faith to believe God for your marriage, family, finances, job, health, and future?
- If you have been declared righteous, is there any record of your sin(s) in heaven?
Prayer
Lord, the greatest declaration of independence is Your declaration of my righteousness. Thank You.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
