Romans Chapter 4 Vs. 11

 

Abraham Justified by Faith

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: Rom 4:11

yet being uncircumcised... He was justified 24 years before circumcision (Gen. 12:1-4; 15:6; 17:1-14).

that he might... He was justified before he was circumcised that he might be the father of believing uncircumcised Gentiles.

received the sign... This indicates man’s need for spiritual cleansing and of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

a seal of... An outward demonstration of the righteousness God had credited to him by faith.

Genesis 15:6 “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

You see Abraham believed, and that alone brought righteousness. The circumcision came later for an outward show to the world that he believed God.

Therefore, Paul argued, the sign of circumcision was a seal of Abraham’s being declared righteous because of his faith which he received while he was still uncircumcised (lit., “in uncircumcision”). Circumcision, as a “sign” or “seal,” was an outward token of the justification Abraham had already received.