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.
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. (Romans 4:9-12)
After speaking of the blessed person “to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works,” Paul asks a question.
Who is this blessing for?
Did the blessing of forgiveness and justification extend to only the Jewish people (the circumcised)? Or was it also for the Gentiles (the uncircumcised)?
Paul reminded his readers that “faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness,” which they all agreed upon since that was a direct quote from Genesis 15:6.
He then asks a second question to help answer his first question: Was faith accounted to Abraham for righteousness when he was circumcised or uncircumcised?
He reminds them that what is said of Abraham in Genesis 15:6 is said before Abraham was circumcised. Abraham was not circumcised until Genesis 17.
So faith was accounted to an uncircumcised person for righteousness.
Why does this matter?
Paul points out that the timing of what was said of Abraham mattered a great deal. Because Abraham was counted as righteous before he was circumcised:
He is the father of all uncircumcised (Gentile) believers, that righteousness may be imputed to them as well.
He is the father of all circumcised (Jew) believers, who “also walk in the steps of the faith.”
Abraham is the “Father of the faithful” - Jew and Gentile.
The blessing of forgiveness mentioned in the Old Testament (Genesis 15:6 and Psalm 32:1-2) is not just for one race of people. The gospel of Christ is for all people - Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free (Romans 1:16).
We are all one in Christ Jesus and heirs together of the promises of God (Galatians 3:26-29).
All have sinned (Romans 3:23), and by the grace of God, all can be justified in Christ Jesus (Romans 5:9).