Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible




WHAT then shall we say that Abraham our father hath obtained by the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath cause for glorying; though not before God. For what doth the scripture say? Abraham truly believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. read more.
Now to him that worketh, the reward is not brought to account as a favour, but as a debt. But to him who doth not work, but believeth in him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned in account for righteousness. As David also describeth the blessedness of that man, to whom God imputeth righteousness without works, "Blessed are they whose unrighteousnesses are forgiven, and whose sins are covered up. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will in nowise impute sin." This blessedness then, [is it] for the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it imputed to him? when circumcised, or while uncircumcised? Not when circumcised, but whilst uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: and the father of circumcision, not to those who are of the circumcision merely, but who also tread in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, which he exercised while uncircumcised. For not by the law [came] the promise to Abraham and his seed, that he should be heir of the world, but by the righteousness of faith. For if they who are of the law are heirs, faith becomes vain, and the promise is useless: for the law causeth wrath: for where there is no law, neither is there transgression. Therefore it is by faith, that it might be of grace; in order that the promise might be secured to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (as it is written "that I have constituted thee father of many nations,") before God, in whom he trusted, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth things that are not as if existing. Who contrary to hope, in hope believed, that he should be the father of many nations, according to what was said, "So shall thy seed be." And not being weak in faith, he regarded not his own body now deadened, being about an hundred years old, nor the deadness of Sarah's womb: for he disputed not against the promise of God with unbelief; but was mighty in faith, giving glory to God; and enjoyed the fullest assurance, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

as Abraham believed in God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. Know then that they who are of faith, these are the children of Abraham. And the scripture foreseeing that by faith God would justify the Gentiles, preached the gospel before unto Abraham, saying, that "In thee shall all the nations be blessed." read more.
Wherefore they who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

By faith Abraham, called to go forth unto a place which he should in future obtain as an heritage, obeyed; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the co-heirs of the same promise. For he expected a city having foundations, of which God is the planner and architect.

By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promise, presented in sacrifice his only begotten son, unto whom it had been said, "That by Isaac shall there be a seed bearing thy name:" reasoning that God was able to raise him up again, even from the dead; from whence also figuratively he had received him.

Was not our father Abraham justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith consummated. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness;" and he was called "the friend of God." read more.
Observe therefore that by works a man is justified, and not by faith merely.

WHAT then is the superiority of the Jew? or what is the advantage of circumcision? Much in every view: the principal one indeed is, that the oracles of God were entrusted to them. For what if some were unbelievers? shall their unbelief render the faithfulness of God ineffectual? read more.
God forbid: but let God be true, though every man were a liar; as it is written, "That thou mayest be acknowledged just in thy sayings, and overcome when thou art judged." But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is not God unrighteous in inflicting wrath? (I speak humanly). God forbid: for how then shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God by my lying hath more abundantly contributed to his glory; why am I notwithstanding judged as a sinner? And why not admit, (as we are falsely reported of; and as some affirm we say,) That we should do evil things, that good may come? whose condemnation is just. What then? have we pre-eminence? Not at all: for we have before proved that both the Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, "There is not a just person, no not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. All are turned aside together, they are become worthless; there is none that doeth good, there is not even one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have spoken craftily; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways. And they have not known the way of peace: there is not the fear of God before their eyes." Now we know that whatsoever things the law saith, it speaks to those who are under the law: that every mouth might be sealed up, and all the world become criminal before God. Wherefore by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified before God: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now distinct from the law the righteousness of God is manifest, receiving testimony from the law and the prophets; the righteousness of God indeed by faith in Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

WHAT then shall we say that Abraham our father hath obtained by the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath cause for glorying; though not before God. For what doth the scripture say? Abraham truly believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. read more.
Now to him that worketh, the reward is not brought to account as a favour, but as a debt. But to him who doth not work, but believeth in him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned in account for righteousness. As David also describeth the blessedness of that man, to whom God imputeth righteousness without works, "Blessed are they whose unrighteousnesses are forgiven, and whose sins are covered up. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will in nowise impute sin." This blessedness then, [is it] for the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it imputed to him? when circumcised, or while uncircumcised? Not when circumcised, but whilst uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: and the father of circumcision, not to those who are of the circumcision merely, but who also tread in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, which he exercised while uncircumcised. For not by the law [came] the promise to Abraham and his seed, that he should be heir of the world, but by the righteousness of faith. For if they who are of the law are heirs, faith becomes vain, and the promise is useless: for the law causeth wrath: for where there is no law, neither is there transgression. Therefore it is by faith, that it might be of grace; in order that the promise might be secured to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Now it was not written for his sake only, that it was imputed to him; but also for our sakes, to whom it will be imputed, if we believe in him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered up for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

destroying the enmity in his flesh, even the law of precepts, in ordinances, that he might from the two create in himself one new man, making peace, Verse ConceptsNew ThingsLaws, AbolishedLaw, And GospelRitual LawRitualSalvation, Nature OfLaw, TemporaryAbolish, Evil ThingsAnnulmentTwo GroupsNew LifeChurch Distinct From IsraelMaking Peace With God


As many as wish to make a fair appearance in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessOutward AppearanceLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of CircumcisionOutward CompulsionSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionPersecutionThe Crosstrying

But up rose some of the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of Moses. Then the apostles and presbyters were assembled to consider of this matter. When after much dispute, Peter arose, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know that a considerable time ago God chose among us, by my mouth, that the Gentiles should hear the gospel-word, and believe. read more.
And God, who is the discerner of the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as to us; and made no difference betwixt either us or them, purifying their hearts by faith. Why then now tempt ye God, by imposing a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the same way as they. Then the whole multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, relating how great signs and miracles God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me: Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon [the Gentiles], to take from them a people for his name. And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again: that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things." Known unto God from the beginning are all his works. Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God: but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idol [sacrifices], and from whoredom, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses for ages past in every city hath those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day. Then it was determined by the apostles and presbyters with the whole church, to send select men from themselves unto Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren; writing a letter by their hand, in these words: The apostles and presbyters and the brethren, to the brethren from among the Gentiles which are at Antioch, and in Syria, and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain persons who went out from us have disturbed you with discourses, unsettling your minds, insisting, that you should be circumcised, and observe the law: to whom we gave no such charge: it hath seemed fit to us, assembled unanimously, to send unto you select men with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they by word of mouth will tell you the same things. For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no other burden except these things which are of absolute necessity; that ye abstain from eating whatever is sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from whoredom: from which things carefully preserving yourselves, ye shall do well. Farewell.


This blessedness then, [is it] for the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it imputed to him? when circumcised, or while uncircumcised? Not when circumcised, but whilst uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed:

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not affect uncircumcision. Is any man called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the observance of the commandments of God.

And even Titus, who was with me, though a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised: but this I did because of false brethren artfully introduced, who came to pry into our liberty which we hold in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

Behold, I Paul declare to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ will be of no advantage to you. And again, I testify to every man who is circumcised, that he is under an obligation to keep the whole law. Ye have vacated all expectations from Christ, as many of you as are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. read more.
For we in spirit by faith expect the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith exerting its energy by love. Ye were running well: who hath hindered you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not from him who called you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole mass. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be no otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear condign punishment whosoever he be. But I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then indeed the offence of the cross is at an end.

Wherefore remember that ye in time past were Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that called circumcision made by hands in the flesh; Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalBodyLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of Circumcision

Show 1 more verse
in whom also ye have been circumcised with the circumcision not made with hands, by the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, through the circumcision of Christ: Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency


And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so he begat Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessCircumcision, physicalThe Number TwelveSacramentsAbraham, God's Covenant WithLess Than A Year OldTwelve BeingsCircumcisionGifts Of GodGod's Covenant With The PatriarchsOther Gifts Of God

WHAT then is the superiority of the Jew? or what is the advantage of circumcision? Verse ConceptsAdvantagesNecessity Of CircumcisionJews

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

nor, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, not the children of the flesh, these are the children of God: but the children of the promise are accounted for the seed. For the word of promise is this, At that time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. read more.
And not only so; but when Rebecca also had conception by one, even Isaac our father; (though the children were not yet born, nor had done any thing good or evil, that according to the election of God the purpose might abide, not from works, but from him who called;) it was said unto her, "That the elder shall be servant to the younger." As it is written, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."

And again, I testify to every man who is circumcised, that he is under an obligation to keep the whole law. Verse ConceptsNecessityCircumcisionUnder The Lawthe Law of moses


And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so he begat Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessCircumcision, physicalThe Number TwelveSacramentsAbraham, God's Covenant WithLess Than A Year OldTwelve BeingsCircumcisionGifts Of GodGod's Covenant With The PatriarchsOther Gifts Of God

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed


Because Moses ordered you circumcision; (not that it comes from Moses, but from our ancestors;) so ye circumcise a man on the sabbath-day. Verse ConceptsAbraham, Family And DescendantsCircumcision, physicalPatriarchsAncestorsCircumcision

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed


And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

For circumcision indeed is advantageous, if thou practise the law: but if thou art a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision becomes uncircumcision, If then the uncircumcision observe the righteous judgments of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be accounted for circumcision? And the uncircumcision by nature which fulfilleth the law shall condemn thee, who through the letter and circumcision art a transgressor of the law. read more.
For not he who is outwardly such, is the Jew; neither is that which is outward in the flesh, circumcision. But he is a Jew who is such inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

For not by the law [came] the promise to Abraham and his seed, that he should be heir of the world, but by the righteousness of faith. Verse ConceptsImputed RighteousnessGod's Promise To AbrahamRighteous By FaithPromisesTrust In Relationships


This blessedness then, [is it] for the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. Verse ConceptsCouncil of JerusalemNecessity Of CircumcisionRighteous By Faith

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed


For what doth the scripture say? Abraham truly believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. Verse ConceptsdecisionsAbrahamRighteous By FaithScripture SaysRighteousness imputedAbraham Believed God

But to him who doth not work, but believeth in him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned in account for righteousness. Verse ConceptsGuilt, Removal OfSin, Deliverance From GodImputed RighteousnessJustification By FaithReckoningRighteous By FaithWorks Of The LawRighteousness imputedGrace Verse Law

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Verse ConceptsReckoningRighteousness imputedAbraham Believed God

but also for our sakes, to whom it will be imputed, if we believe in him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Verse ConceptsFaith, As Basis Of SalvationReckoningGod Raising ChristBelief In GodRighteousness imputedFaith In Godaccounting

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Verse ConceptsReckoningRighteousness imputedAbraham Believed God

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

But to him who doth not work, but believeth in him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned in account for righteousness. Verse ConceptsGuilt, Removal OfSin, Deliverance From GodImputed RighteousnessJustification By FaithReckoningRighteous By FaithWorks Of The LawRighteousness imputedGrace Verse Law

but also for our sakes, to whom it will be imputed, if we believe in him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Verse ConceptsFaith, As Basis Of SalvationReckoningGod Raising ChristBelief In GodRighteousness imputedFaith In Godaccounting

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed