Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 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: 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. Romans 4:9-12

So who can be saved? Is salvation only for the Jews (the circumcised) or also for the Gentiles (the uncircumcised)? As the Apostle Paul reveals, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit , “He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” (Galatians 3:14) What most Christians don’t realize is the promise of salvation, which is Jesus Christ, came through Abraham (Israel) and we are also grafted into the New Covenant (Romans 11) Everyone who calls upon the name of The Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13)

The next question is, was it the act of circumcision that saved Abraham? Circumcision was a sign or a seal of the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:10-14) While circumcision is an act of faith, its a sign of obedience, the act of circumcision doesn’t save you. Many who were circumcised were not saved, many who were not circumcised are saved. As talked about previously in this chapter, salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8) As scripture says “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe,” (v11)

Abraham was already declared righteous by His faith, even before He became circumcised. (Genesis 15:6) The act of circumcision didn’t save Abraham, but it was a sign He made a covenant with God. This is the same with baptism in the New Covenant, its a sign you are professing faith in Christ and are in the New Covenant. (Romans 6:3-4) However the act of baptism doesn’t save you, you are saved also by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8)

Therefor, Abraham is the spiritual father of all those who are saved in Christ, as the Apostle Paul says “Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”  So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. (Galatians 3:7-9) All nations will be blessed through Abraham because of Christ by faith and not of our own works, Amen