One of the first posts I wrote here at Feeding on Christ had to do with the doctrine of justification by faith alone and the time element. Given that there has been so much emphasis on eschatological justification over the past decade in biblical studies, I believe that it is of the utmost importance for us to understand this aspect of the biblical doctrine of justification.
The most significant passage of Scripture in this regard–and yet one that is often overlooked–is Romans 4:10. In the context of chapter 4, the apostle Paul explains the nature of justification by faith alone from the example of Abraham. Repeatedly citing the locus classicus, Gen. 15:16, Paul develops his argumentation based on the application of the covenant sign to Abraham. In one short passage, Paul posits justification at a specific point in time. He asks, “How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised?” The answer is richer than most have acknowledged. Paul replies, “It was not after, but before he was circumcised.” The apostle eliminates the possibility of understanding justification as occurring after Abraham was circumcised. Our Reformed and Confessional statements on the doctrine of justification insist that it is a once-for-all ”act of God’s free grace” (WSC. 33). There are actually quite a few implications that we can take away from this observation. Interestingly, the majority of commentators only focus on the first of those listed below:
(1) The Jews do not have any special privileges above the Gentiles after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
(2) Abraham was justified at a particular point in time, as is true of those who believe after Abraham. He was not counted righteous after circumcision but before he was circumcised. We must make clear that there is no future imputation of righteousness. How was Abraham justified, while circumcised or while uncircumcised? Not while circumcised but while uncircumcised.
(3) Personal Law-keeping played absolutely no role in Abraham’s justification. In fact, the law came 430 years after Abraham (Gal. 3:17). It is completely out of the question when it comes to Abraham’s right standing before God. This is no insignificant detail, as Paul consistently takes us back to Abraham as the example of the “justified man.” It is by faith alone that Abraham was accepted as righteous before God. “Abraham believed in the LORD and He accounted it to Him for righteousness” (Gen. 15:6).
This is really good. Love it.
One question though: When you wrote:
“He was not counted righteous after circumcision not before he was circumcised. ”
I’m sure I know what you mean but is the above statement worded correctly? Should it be instead: (changing the 2nd not to a but)
“He was not counted righteous after circumcision BUT before he was circumcised.”
thanks again,
scott
Scott,
Thank you for catching that serious typo. I depend on brothers like you to help me see these things. Blessings.
Nick
Their only privileges before Christ were greater access to the Words of God, right? (I’m genuinely asking.)
WSC. 33 is pure gold. Thanks for the article buddy.