Romans 4:9-12

What an interesting question Paul introduces: “Was he (Abraham) counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised?”

That adds another wrinkle to a law-and-works theology, because our founding father of the faith was counted righteous before he was circumcised.

Circumcision, like water baptism, is an outward sign of what has already taken place within. It did not make Abraham righteous; it confirmed the righteousness he had already received through faith.

Paul continues:

“So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted righteous because of their faith. And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who are circumcised—but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.”

True to His word, God made Abraham the father of many nations—circumcised and uncircumcised. Circumcision without faith is useless, just as works without faith are dead.

Jew and Gentile are alike in this regard. Both can struggle with a works-based theology that threatens to replace the essential ingredient of salvation: faith.

We cannot miss this: the sign came after the faith. Abraham did not believe because he was circumcised; he was circumcised because he had already believed. His obedience followed his faith—it did not produce it.

The same is true for us. Baptism, church attendance, giving, serving, and good works all have their proper place, but none can replace faith in Jesus Christ. These things should flow from our faith, not become substitutes for it.

We do not obey God in order to earn righteousness; we obey Him because through faith we have been made righteous. Faith comes first, and genuine faith produces obedience.