Circumcision played a role in Abraham’s story and later in the law of Moses. As such, it was a vital test case for the legalists who opposed Paul (Acts 15:1). Paul rightly pointed out that Abraham was declared righteous before circumcision. Remember that Paul’s opponents were demanding circumcision as part of the law. The example of Abraham proved that he received righteousness without this “work” of law.
But it does not prove that righteousness is received without obedience. Obedience was not an issue. Abraham could neither obey nor disobey circumcision at the time of Genesis 15, for God had not yet mentioned circumcision. As much as Abraham had to obey at the time, he had obeyed. He would later obey even the most difficult demand (in which he would also be justified, according to James 2). Faith is not emptied of its obedience just because Abraham had no specific matter to obey in Genesis 15:6.
Do you want an example of twisted Scripture? Here it is: Abraham was not commanded to do anything in Genesis 15:6. That moment’s absence of a command, therefore, means we can disobey God in the presence of His commands today. David is treated in a similar way (For a discussion of David and salvation under the law, please see Endnote “How Was David Saved?” at the end of this lesson).
The thought that saving faith might be submissive faith seems new to some people. It is not a new concept to the Bible. A simple survey of the Scriptures shows the faith that God accepts. Time does not permit us to make a full visit to every story, but we can land at some key events and take samples. These samples, shown in the next lessons, could be taken anywhere and they prove remarkably consistent.