Romans 4:9-12 - Daily Devotion - 26 June 2026

St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

9 Is this blessing only on the circumcised, or also on the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. 10 In what context was it credited? Was it after his circumcision, or before? It was not after, but before.

11 And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12 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.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Ashel Singh

To help reflect on this passage, let me share what I think are the main things Paul is saying in this passage:

1.     Abraham was declared righteous by God through faith before he was circumcised.

2.     Salvation is based on faith alone.

3.     Both Jews and Gentiles are called to be included in God’s family through faith.

Reflecting on the passage, there is clearly a chasm between faith and works, and what proves it is the fact that Abraham’s circumcision came after he was declared righteous because of his faith. So, where do faith and works stand in comparison to one another? How should I understand each of them when it comes to my salvation? Circumcision did not gain righteousness for Abraham, it was merely a sign of the righteousness that he received through his faith. When it comes to my own life, I have to constantly be on guard not to start thinking that doing good works will add to my salvation, and instead to base it on faith. Knowing that my salvation is based on faith, not my works, gives me a sense of humility and keeps me from boasting in my own human flesh and capacity. It also helps me to reflect on God’s forgiving and righteous nature which he has given to me by grace alone, taking away the idea that I can achieve it myself on my own terms. My actions and works are a response of thankful obedience to the salvation that has been given to me.

In other words, my heart has been transformed by faith to produce fruit of genuine obedience as a response to God’s goodness. That helps me to testify to God’s holiness and appreciate that there is no other who enables such grace and makes my heart yearn to grow in deeper understanding and appreciation of our good God.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashel is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.