“So even David himself speaks regarding the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the one against whom the Lord will never count sin.” Is this blessedness then for the circumcision or also for the uncircumcision? For we say, “faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” How then was it credited to him? Was he circumcised at the time, or not? No, he was not circumcised but uncircumcised! And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised, so that he would become the father of all those who believe but have never been circumcised, that they too could have righteousness credited to them. And he is also the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham possessed when he was still uncircumcised.” Romans 4:6-12 NET
It is genuinely astonishing to recognize that Abraham received a
profound revelation from God long before he truly comprehended the actual weight
of that revelation. Despite his initial inclinations that his efforts or deeds
were all that mattered, it was the revelation that his unwavering believing
loyalty in God was what ultimately opened the door to the divine promises. Only
by fully embracing faith did the remarkable blessings promised him—a legacy
of greatness and a covenant that would influence generations—become a reality.
Paul compellingly redirects our attention to King David, one
of the most significant figures in biblical history, renowned for his deeply
contemplative songs known as Maskils. These poetic works were not merely
lyrical expressions; they delve deeply into the complexities of human
experience and our multifaceted relationship with God, offering rich and
transformative spiritual insights. He quotes Psalm 32:1-2, which states, “How
blessed is the one whose rebellious acts are forgiven, whose sin is pardoned.
How blessed is the one whose wrongdoing the Lord does not punish, in whose
spirit there is no deceit.” This poignant passage encapsulates the essence
of divine grace and the profound joy of true forgiveness.
This leads us to a critical question: Is the blessedness
that David spoke of meant exclusively for those who are circumcised, or is it
also intended for the uncircumcised? The Biblical narrative boldly affirms that
“faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” To grasp the full
significance of this statement, we must consider the context and circumstances
surrounding Abraham. Was this divine crediting of faith as righteousness
granted to Abraham because he had undergone circumcision then? The
answer is a resounding no—circumcision, as a formal requirement under the
covenant, had not yet been established when Abraham received this affirmation
of righteousness.
This revelation highlights a fundamental principle: that the
essence of righteousness is not rooted in strict adherence to laws, rules, or
ordinances, which in Abraham’s time had yet to be instituted. Instead, it lies
in the sincerity of Abraham’s experience—his genuine submission to God, his
courageous willingness to relinquish control over his own life and desires, and
his unwavering trust in God’s promises, even in the face of uncertainty, which
may take a lifetime to fulfill. Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness
because it emanated from a transformative relationship with God, demonstrating
that righteousness is not a product of human effort but rather a gift bestowed
through faith.
This narrative is a profound reminder that true
blessedness is not derived from following rituals or traditions like
circumcision but from cultivating an authentic and trusting relationship with
God through Jesus Christ. It challenges us to reflect deeply on our faith
journeys, prompts us to consider where our genuine trust resides, and invites us to
engage in a more profound, authentic relationship with Jesus.
The term “uncircumcised” historically refers to
Gentiles or non-Jewish individuals who had not yet entered into a covenant
relationship with God through the practice of cutting the flesh. In this
context, these individuals represented those often seen as outsiders,
lacking a genuine understanding of God and His law. The Apostle Paul
passionately dedicated his life to changing this narrative. His mission was to
reach out to those who desired a closer relationship with God but felt
marginalized and disenfranchised by the complex requirements of Jewish law and
those who fought so hard to keep it.
His
transformative encounter with Christ fueled Paul’s passion for spreading the gospel. He ardently believed in the great commission
to spread the good news of God’s kingdom to all nations, regardless of their ethnic
or cultural background. Through his teachings, Paul encouraged those who sought
to embrace faith, emphasizing that righteousness numerous times as a profound
example, illustrating that Abraham was credited with faith and righteousness
even while he was still uncircumcised, showcasing that anyone—regardless of
their past—could have rightful standing in the family of God.
The sacrifice of Jesus is a profound gift that grants every
individual direct access to God, bridging the gap created by sin. Psalm 32 vividly depicts the person who has genuinely received God’s
forgiveness, emphasizing that sin can be absolved only through God’s grace. Reflecting on the statement that a person is blessed because the Lord
will never hold their sins against them, we understand that this
blessing initially seems out of reach for us, even as we are all born with a
sin nature.
However, when we consciously invite Jesus into our hearts
and minds, we experience a transformative rebirth; we become new creations in
Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit. His divine presence radically alters our
identity and purpose. With Jesus dwelling within us, we are not merely reformed
but wholly renewed. Consequently, God no longer views us through the lens
of our sins; instead, He sees us as His sons and daughters, recognizing the
righteousness and love of Christ that now reside within us. This powerful
transformation is the essence of our faith, reminding us of the depth of God’s
mercy and the incredible gift of grace we receive through Jesus.
Stephen Barnett
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