Romans 4:11

Sign of circumcision. That is, circumcision as a sign. In instituting circumcision God said, “It shall be a token [LXX, semeion, “sign”] of the covenant betwixt me and you” (Gen. 17:11).

A seal. Gr. sphragis. This word was used for certain marks by which contracts and agreements were confirmed or authenticated or for the instalments by which the marks were made (see Cor. 9:2; 2 Tim. 2:19; Rev. 5:1; 7:2). Thus circumcision was intended as an external mark signifying the ratification of the covenant made with Abraham and the confirmation of his previous experience of justification by faith. Consequently, circumcision could not be regarded as the reason for a man’s acceptance and favor with God. It was only a sign and seal to Abraham and his descendants of the righteousness that comes by faith. Circumcision did not convey the righteousness but only gave outward evidence of it. Similarly for the Christian, baptism does not bring righteousness, but the ordinance may be regarded as a sign and seal of the faith and justification experienced before baptism.

Righteousness of the faith. Or, “the righteousness by faith.” Compare the phrase “the obedience of faith” (ch. 16:26).

The father. That is, the spiritual father. Abraham is the ancestor of those who have faith. As such, he is a model and example. Those who follow in his footsteps are regarded as his spiritual children (see Luke 19:9; John 8:39; Gal. 3:7, 29).

Believe. The gift of salvation is offered to all men everywhere on the same terms, whether they are circumcised or not (ch. 3:29, 30). Abraham and all his true children have met these terms. The one bond of union in this spiritual family is that of faith. Some members of the family possess the external sign of this faith, and some do not. Membership is not determined by the possession of the sign but rather by the possession of that which the sign was intended to represent.

Had the original significance of circumcision not been lost, the Jews would always have been reminded of the universal scope of the plan of salvation, by which the imputation of righteousness is offered to all who believe. Thus they would have been more ready to cooperate with God in the fulfilling of the spiritual meaning of His promises to Abraham that he should be the father of many nations (Gen. 17:4) and that in him all the families of the earth should be blessed (ch. 12:3).