Faith , not circumcision, is the true link. Since all God s dealings with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob take place before the giving of the Mosaic Law, we cannot say that they are based on the law - instead, they are based on God s declaration of Abraham s righteousness through faith. Faith is the ground of God s blessing. Abraham was a blessed man, indeed, but he became heir of the world on another principle entirely - simple faith. B. Following Abraham s example.
Faith is to grace as works is to law .
Grace and law are the principles, and faith and works are the means by which we pursue those principles of relating to God. The promise can only be sure if it is according to grace . If law was the basis of our salvation, then our salvation would depend on our performance in keeping the law - a position that is tenuous at best. The life-giving power of the God Abraham believed in. I m greatly comforted when God speaks about me as righteous, justified, glorified, holy, pure, and saintly.