Peter Barnes | Romans 4:9-12
SERMON NOTES
WHEN WAS ABRAHAM JUSTIFIED?
(Romans 4:9-12)
– What is the relationship between faith and circumcision? Or, to us, faith and baptism?
1. Abraham was justified before he was circumcised.
– 4:9-10; Abraham received the promise in Genesis 12:1-4 at 75; this was confirmed in Genesis 15:6 (he was 86 in Genesis 16:16); and he received the sign of circumcision in Genesis 17 when he was 99 (Gen.17:1, 24; 9-10)
– David’s uncircumcised son was saved (2 Sam.12:18, 23); Cornelius received the Spirit before he was baptised (Acts 10:44-48)
2. Circumcision is a sign and seal of God’s righteousness.
– 4:11; a sign points to something greater (e.g. Deut.10:16); a seal is a public proclamation of authenticity (e.g. John 6:27 which surely refers to Jesus’ baptism)
3. Abraham is the father of Jews and Gentiles with faith in Jesus.
– 4:11-12; John Chrysostom: ‘circumcision proclaims that there is no need of circumcision.’
– John 8:33-34, 39-40, 44
– Matt.3:9; Gal.3:7