Romans: Nothing to Add

Romans 4:9-17

Okay, I believe in God's promises, that Jesus paid for all my sins. God imputed my sins to Jesus and then imputed Jesus’ righteousness to me. Isn’t this too good to be true? You know what they say—when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is! 

Surely, I need to take action to receive or keep this great salvation.   

If you tend to rely on that argument for your faith, you're aligning with the mindset of the Jews in Paul’s time. They found it hard to let go of their customs and traditions, especially circumcision—which was the sign of the covenant God made with Abraham—and following the law given by Moses. These practices were so deeply ingrained in their religion that they couldn’t accept a relationship with God without observing them. In fact, in our study, we have come across a group called the Judaizers who went from church to church promoting the idea of Jesus plus circumcision and Jesus plus the law. 

In today’s passage, Paul emphasizes the timeline of circumcision and the giving of the law to reinforce that salvation is a free gift from God. 

What came first? Abraham’s justification or his circumcision? 

Romans 4:9-10
Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 

Earlier in chapter 4, Paul quoted Genesis 15:6, where Scripture says that Abraham believed and it was credited to him as righteousness (Rom. 4:3). We considered this passage last time. Now the critical question was, when did this imputed righteousness take place for Abraham? If it followed circumcision, one could argue that this act was a prerequisite for being made right with God. However, righteousness was credited to Abraham’s account before he was circumcised. Therefore, circumcision cannot be a requirement for a personal relationship with God. Paul explains: 

Romans 4:11a
He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. 

I like how Paul phrases this: “the sign of circumcision” was “a seal of the righteousness.” Abraham was clearly made righteous before he was circumcised. Paul points out that the timeline further confirms Abraham was the father of “all who believe” (Rom. 4:11-12). 

Salvation isn't about following the traditions of our parents and grandparents; it's about trusting God's promises. Abraham is the father of both believing Jews and Gentiles. For the Jew, circumcision isn't the way to salvation. Paul states that a person knows God by walking “in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised” (Rom. 4:12). 

Circumcision or any other religious practice does not save us. Neither is justification based on the law. Again, Paul confirms this by referencing Abraham’s life. 

What came first? Abraham’s justification or the law?

The promise of God that Abraham believed in did not “come through the law but through righteousness of faith” (Rom. 4:13). Faith is of no value, and the promise of God is empty if it is based on keeping the law (Rom. 4:14). It’s the law that show us our sinfulness and brings God’s judgment (Rom. 4:15). Paul further explains:

Romans 4:16-17
That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Paul clearly states that Abraham was made righteous through faith alone, not faith combined with circumcision or the law. For both Abraham and us, salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. This is the foundational tenet that every believer must embrace.

Let’s consider how people add to Jesus's work of salvation today. 

Jesus + baptism.
Many believe that baptism is a requirement for salvation. 

Jesus + good works.
Many people depend on morality and ethical living to gain or to keep their salvation. I believed for years that activities like going to movies, drinking, and smoking would cause me to lose my salvation. Following the rules was what I thought was necessary to maintain my salvation. 

Jesus + the sacraments
In the Catholic and Orthodox church traditions, there is a reliance on the Eucharist for salvation. 

Jesus + speaking in tongues
I had a friend tell me that I could not be a Christian if I did not speak in tongues and that my dad, who had passed away, was not in heaven because he did not speak in tongues. 

Jesus + church membership
Many people equate belonging to a church with belonging to Jesus. 

The list goes on… Jesus + tithing, religious heritage, an emotional experience, or following the right theological system. How about Jesus + praying to Mary and other saints?!? 

The bottom line is this: Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone! Nothing can be added (and therefore should not be added) to the perfect and finished work of Jesus. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 4:9-17. Focus on Paul’s airtight argument regarding the timeline of Abraham’s salvation, the sign of circumcision, and the giving of the law.

Talking to God: How does trusting in grace alone change the way you view your relationship with God? Does it bring freedom—or do you still feel like you must perform to keep his favor?

Have questions?  Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to help as we study God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond soon. Let us know if you want to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you seek spiritual guidance.