Romans 4:9-17

Justified Before Circumcision (vv. 9-12)

v. 9 asks us an important question as it pertains to the blessedness of the one whose sins are covered

Knowing exactly how to ensure you are one of the ones whose sins are covered is a big deal, regardless of what it takes!

The question is if circumcision is required -> to which we can answer with a resounding “no”!

Looking to our example of Abraham, the promise was given in response to faith, and that promise was given well before circumcision was instituted (14-24 years before)

Circumcision is the topic of conversation because if there were anything required outside of faith in God it would be this

Abraham is such a central figure to the word of God, and he predated the law -> the only ceremony he performed was circumcision

We learn here that the circumcision was nothing more than a sign of what had already taken place (Gen 17:1-11)

If circumcision is not required, then nothing else would or could be! (no work, no sacrament, no other thing or action)

A Promise by Righteousness Through Faith (vv. 13-15)

Again the truth is clarified that the promise is contingent on righteousness given through faith, not earned through the law

Salvation DOES center around righteousness -> this too is emphasized

Just make sure to understand who the righteousness belongs to! -> salvation is repentantly trusting in Christ to gift you His righteousness

To make salvation contingent on the works of the law would be to make God a liar and nullify His promise to Abraham (Gal. 3:18)

This is why the emphasis is on the timing of the Abrahamic Covenant in comparison with the Mosaic Covenant

The law produces wrath (v. 15a) -> not the intent of its creation (to teach people how to be right with God), but the result due to man’s nature

Where there is no law, there is no transgression (v. 15b) -> but there is a law, and as a result we are accountable to every letter of it

He is the Father of All Who Believe (vv. 11-12, 16-17)

That is that we receive the same inheritance and promises because we have all received the same righteousness

The promise given to Abraham is more than a promise to a guy a long time ago about some descendants and land

It is a promise pertaining to the salvation of the whole world (Gal. 3:19-4:7)!

Covenant membership is not contingent upon birthright, works, or circumcision, but upon faith in Christ

This transition was expected, being promised to Abraham in Gen. 15:5, 17:5 -> the father of many nations!

He is the God who gives life to the dead and creates things from nothing -> a mighty God we can trust to also be a faithful God (v. 17)!

He is a God of impossible things, including saving your soul (Mat. 19:23-26)!