Romans 4:9–11
What if I told you that God doesn’t give righteousness as a reward for your faith? Instead, faith is the key to receiving eternity with Him.
It’s like a gift, an imputed righteousness reckoned by God, granting you perfection in His eyes. But wait, are you perfect? Of course not! Yet, according to God’s reckoning, you are legally righteous.
It’s not about following Jewish laws or rituals, and it’s not about church traditions, religion, or works either. So, who is this blessing of righteousness for? Is it just for the circumcised, or does it extend to the uncircumcised as well?
Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them,” (Romans 4:9–11).
Let’s take a closer look at what the Scriptures say. In Romans 4:9–11, it is said that faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness, not while he was circumcised, but while he was uncircumcised. The sign of circumcision merely served as a seal of the righteousness that he had through faith. It was an outward symbol of the change that had taken place within him.
The Jews, being the descendants of Abraham, thought that only they themselves could be justified by faith. This belief was echoed in Galatia and the Acts of the Apostles.
The Scriptures have always taught that justification comes through faith alone. Works, on the other hand, are indicators of a person’s justification.
Paul, in his teachings, clarifies to the Jews that Abraham was considered righteous in God’s eyes even before he was circumcised. His circumcision was merely a visible representation of the righteousness he had through his faith.
So, in essence, it’s not about following a set of rules or rituals. It’s about having faith and a changed heart within. The gift of righteousness is available to all who believe, regardless of their background or traditions. It’s a timeless truth that highlights the power of faith in God’s reckoning.
For a devotion on Romans 4:12 click here.
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