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Pathways Through Paul
Daily Devotional
February 4
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Today's Pathway:
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In today's passage Paul continues his discussion of Abraham's faith. In verses 9-11 he shows how salvation by faith is available to all regardless of whether or not they had been circumcised. In verses 9-10 he reiterates that Abraham received righteousness because of his faith, but then asks the question as to when this event occurred. The answer is that Abraham had righteousness added to his account BEFORE he was circumcised. Genesis 15:6 tells us that "he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness". However, it is not until Genesis 17:10 that God says,
"This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised."
And then Abraham submits to circumcision in Genesis 17:24. Therefore, circumcision had absolutely nothing to do with Abraham's salvation because he was declared to be righteous before he underwent that procedure.
According to verse 11, circumcision was a sign that he had received righteousness by his faith. Circumcision did not give Abraham salvation; it was the symbol that he had already received salvation. Warren Wiersbe put it this way:
"As a sign, circumcision was evidence that he belonged to God and believed His promise. As a seal, it was a reminder to him that God had given the promise and would keep it. Circumcision did not add to Abraham’s salvation; it merely attested to it."
There are some similarities here to New Testament baptism. Baptism is a religious work which can never save anyone. However, it is commanded by God to be observed by those who have ALREADY received salvation by faith. And, just like the Jews came to believe that circumcision actually saved them, today many "christians" (I am using the term loosely in the way the world does) believe that baptism saves them. New Testament baptism is simply the outward symbol of internal salvation. For Abraham, circumcision was the same thing.
In verse 11 Abraham is called the "father of all them that believe". Galatians 3:6-7 puts it this way:
"Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham."
It does not matter whether they had circumcision or not. It does not matter if they were Jews or Gentiles. All that matters is that these people had chosen to "walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham". which means that they had chosen to believe God, and because of that had received righteousness. In verse 12 Abraham is called "the father of circumcision". So, he is the father of those who believe and were not circumcised, and he is also the father of those who believe and are circumcised. All those who believe God by faith, regardless of their ethnicity or circumcision, can claim Abraham as their spiritual father.
Pastor Mark J Montgomery
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