“Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.” – Romans 4:9-10
Paul reminds the Roman believers that Abraham—revered by Israel as the father of their nation—was not made right with God through ceremony, tradition, or religious acts. He was counted righteous before circumcision, not after. This truth dismantled the belief held by many Jews that salvation was tied to outward rituals. Abraham’s relationship with God began with faith, long before any physical sign of the covenant was given. His righteousness was rooted in trust, not tradition.
The timeline makes this unmistakably clear. Abraham believed God in Genesis 15:6, but he was not circumcised until Genesis 17—over thirteen years later. His justification came through faith alone. Paul uses this to show that salvation has always been a matter of the heart, not the hands. Rituals, ceremonies, and religious performances never saved anyone. They may symbolize faith, but they cannot replace it. Abraham’s story proves that God declares people righteous when they believe Him, not when they perform for Him.
This truth confronts every generation. Many still cling to traditions, religious habits, or outward acts as proof of salvation. But righteousness has never come through baptism, church attendance, confession, or repeated prayers. These may be good practices, but they cannot save. Salvation is a gift received by faith in Christ alone. Abraham was saved by faith, and so is every person who comes to God today.
What about you today? Are you trusting in rituals, traditions, or religious activity to make you right with God? Have you mistaken outward acts for inward faith? Salvation is offered freely, but it must be received personally. If you have never truly placed your faith in Jesus alone, today is the day. Lay aside every false confidence and come to Him by faith—just as Abraham did.
“The ground of justification is the righteousness of Christ; the means of justification is faith.” — A.W. Pink
