And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Abraham was justified by faith while still uncircumcised; the Jews gloried in the outward sign while neglecting the faith that alone saves. Faith accomplishes everything; circumcision adds nothing to justification. Beware of blending the two modes, as though the sacrament could justify without faith.
AI summary
Abraham received justification by faith fourteen or twenty-five years before circumcision, silencing the fears of the uncircumcised Gentiles and humbling the pride of the Jews who boasted in their circumcision as if it held a monopoly on blessing. Circumcision came only afterward as a seal and confirmation of righteousness already imputed.
AI summary
Commenting on Romans 4:9-16
Abraham and all believers are heirs of the world, this world and the next, not by law but by promise and faith. The promise belongs to Abraham's seed, all believers whether Jew or Gentile, who are joint heirs with Christ of all things.
AI summary