Study Desk

What then shall we say that Abraham, ^(F1)our forefather ^(C1)according to the flesh, has found?

For if Abraham was justified ^(F1)by works, he has something to boast about; but ^(C1)not ^(F2)before God.

For what does the Scripture say? "^(C1)ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."

Now to the one who ^(C1)works, the wages are not credited as a favor, but as what is due.

But to the one who does not work, but ^(C1)believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

just as David also speaks of the blessing of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

"^(C1)BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.

-"^(C1)BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT ^(C2)TAKE INTO ACCOUNT."

Is this blessing then on ^(F1)(C1)the circumcised, or on ^(F2)the uncircumcised also? For ^(C2)we say, "^(C3)FAITH WAS CREDITED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."

How then was it credited? While he was ^(F1)circumcised, or ^(F2)uncircumcised? Not while ^(F1)circumcised, but while ^(F2)uncircumcised;

and he ^(C1)received the sign of circumcision, ^(C2)a seal of the righteousness of the faith which ^(F1)he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be ^(C3)the father of ^(C4)all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them,

and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which ^(F1)he had while uncircumcised.