Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
What's my seal?"And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (cf 2 Corinthians 5:5, Ephesians 1L13-14)
Not once, but three times Paul emphasizes the seal of the Holy Spirit imprinted on our hearts. It is this Spirit that removes fear and replaces it with power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 The great gift that empowers us to live in righteousness.
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 60
Mid-day: 119:57-64
Evening: Psalm 136
Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.
