A Study of The Book of Romans

Lesson 26 Chapter 4:6 – 12

1. Verses 6 & 7 "Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, (7.) Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered."
1. Paul had just spoken about Abraham’s justification by faith and not by works, now he quotes another great Jewish leader in David.

a. The word “describeth” means to relate to with words or to proclaim.

b. The word “blessedness” means the happiness; or the desirable state or condition.

c. So David proclaimed the happiness of the man whom God imputeth (concluded) righteousness WITHOUT WORK’S

d. If Paul was speaking of what David proclaimed then what scripture was he referring too? Psalms 32:1-2 “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (2.) Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

2. Verse 7 “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered."

1. The word “blessed” means – fortunate – because you have been blessed of God. He did not have to save one single sinner but by grace He elected too. We are blessed in every possible was even in evil against us. Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”

2. “whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” - That is Whose sins are covered. Are concealed; or hidden from the view. On which God will no more look, and which he will no more remember.

3. The Life Application Bible Commentary says – “Perhaps our emphasis needs to be more on blessing as a particular awareness of God's grace, rather than an emotional condition. Whether or not our immediate experiences in life are positive and exciting, we ought to be constantly conscious of God's grace.”

4. Verse 8 “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”

a. This is why we are blessed, because God will not impute sin. The word “impute” here means - to take an inventory as well as conclude.

b. So blessed are we because Go will not take an inventory of our sins, but rather He has pardoned them and will remember them no more.

c. Beloved we will never in this life time ever understand the true blessedness in this fact.

2. Verses 10-12 “How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. (11.) 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: (12.) And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.”
1. This section of scripture has great significant to it; this deals with Jewish law and the ordinances of circumcision.

a. Circumcision was necessary to the Jews in order to be justified; if Abraham was justified before his circumcision then it could never be necessary in order to be saved. Paul says verse 11 " 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…” Genesis 17:24-25 "And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. (25.) And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.”

b. On the other hand by Abraham being justified by faith before he was circumcised opened justification up to the Gentile nation which was Paul’s point here. Verse 12 “And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham…”

c. Justification without the Jewish law but through faith.

2. We must understand what Paul is saying, Abraham is not just the father of the Jewish nation but to all nations. Verse 11 “that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:” - Galatians 3:8 "And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed."

a. Genesis 17:1-11 “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (2.) And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. (3.) And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, (4.) As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. (5.) Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. (6.) And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. (7.) And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. (8.) And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. (9.) And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. (10.) This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. (11.) And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

b. If we were to read on in Genesis 17 we would see that Abraham’s circumcision was a seal or sign of the Gospel covenant in which we now stand instead of a work for salvation.

c. In verse 11 Paul noted this, “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith” The word “seal” means - stamp impressed – So Abrahams circumcision was the mark in the flesh, by the rite of circumcision.

d. Verse 12 “And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.” Let’s note also Galatians 3:29 "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Whether circumcised or not.