Lesson 4722

 (Lesson 4722) (01-08-25) Romans 4:9-13 

   “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul explained that the blessing of forgiveness and righteousness is not limited to those who are circumcised (Jews) but is also available to the uncircumcised (non-Jews). He pointed out that Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, was justified by faith before he became a Jew, showing that faith, not Jewishness, was the key to righteousness. Paul emphasized that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, and this righteousness was available to all, both Jews and Gentiles. Circumcision, which was a sign of the covenant for the Jews, did not contribute to Abraham’s justification; rather, it was a seal of the faith he had before being circumcised. Thus, righteousness comes through faith, not through external rituals, and is available to everyone who believes in Jesus, regardless of their heritage. ~