Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible




What shall we say, then, that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, did find? If Abraham were justified by deeds, then hath he wherein to rejoice: but not with God. For what saith the scripture? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." read more.
To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of favour: but of duty. To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, is his faith counted for righteousness. Even as David describeth the blessedfulness of the man, unto whom God ascribeth righteousness without deeds, "Blessed are they, whose unrighteousnesses are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is that man to whom the Lord imputeth not sin." Came this blessedness then upon the circumcised or upon the uncircumcised? We say verily how that faith was reckoned to Abraham, for righteousness. How was it reckoned? In the time of circumcision? Or in the time before he was circumcised? Not in time of circumcision: but when he was yet uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; And that he might be the father of the circumcised: not because they are circumcised only: but because they walk also in the steps of that faith, that was in our father Abraham before the time of circumcision. For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not given to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law: but through the righteousness which cometh of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, then is faith but vain, and the promise of none effect. Because the law causeth wrath. For where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore by faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of favour: and that the promise might be sure to all the seed. Not to them only which are of the law: but also to them which are of the faith of Abraham, which is the father of us all. As it is written, "I have made thee a father to many nations," even before God whom thou hast believed, which quickeneth the dead and called those things which be not, as though they were. Which Abraham, contrary to hope, believed in hope: that he should be the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be." And he fainted not in the faith, nor yet considered his own body, which was now dead, even when he was almost a hundred years old: neither yet that Sara was past childbearing. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief: But was made strong in the faith, and gave honour to God, full certified that what he had promised, that he was able to make good. And therefore was it reckoned to him for righteousness.

Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was ascribed to him for righteousness." Understand, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen through faith, and therefore showed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out into a place which he should afterward receive to inheritance, and he went out, not knowing whither he should go. By faith he removed into the land that was promised him, as into a strange country, and dwelt in tabernacles: and so did Isaac, and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city having a foundation, whose builder and maker is God.

By faith Abraham offered up Isaac, when he was tempted, and he offered him being his only begotten son, which had received the promises: Of whom it was said, "In Isaac shall thy seed be called." For he considered that God was able to raise up again from death. Wherefore received he him, for an example of the resurrection.

Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought within his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. read more.
Ye see, then, how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only.

What preferment, then, hath the Jew? Other, what advantageth circumcision? Surely, very much. First: unto them was committed the word of God. What, then, though some of them did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the promise of God without effect? read more.
God forbid. Let God be true, and all men liars, as it is written, "That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings and shouldest overcome when thou art judged." If our unrighteousness make the righteousness of God more excellent: what shall we say? Is God unrighteous which taketh vengeance? I speak after the manner of men. God forbid. For how then shall God judge the world? If the verity of God appear more excellent through my lie, unto his praise, why am I henceforth judged as a sinner? And say not rather - as men evil-speak of us, and as some affirm that we say - "Let us do evil, that good may come thereof." Whose damnation is just. What say we then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise. For we have already proved how that both Jews and gentiles are all under sin, as it is written, "There is none righteous, no not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God, they are all gone out of the way, they are all made unprofitable, there is none that doeth good, no not one." "Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues they have deceived." "The poison of Asps is under their lips." "Whose mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and wretchedness are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known." "There is no fear of God before their eyes." Yea and we know that whatsoever the law saith, he saith it to them which are under the law: That all mouths may be stopped, and all the world be subdued to God, because that by the deeds of the law, shall no flesh be justified in the sight of God. For by the law cometh the knowledge of sin. Now, verily, is the righteousness that cometh of God declared without the fulfilling of the law: having witness yet of the law, and of the prophets. The righteousness, no doubt, which is good before God cometh by the faith of Jesus Christ: unto all, and upon all them that believe. There is no difference: For all have sinned, and lack the praise that is of valour before God:

What shall we say, then, that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, did find? If Abraham were justified by deeds, then hath he wherein to rejoice: but not with God. For what saith the scripture? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." read more.
To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of favour: but of duty. To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, is his faith counted for righteousness. Even as David describeth the blessedfulness of the man, unto whom God ascribeth righteousness without deeds, "Blessed are they, whose unrighteousnesses are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is that man to whom the Lord imputeth not sin." Came this blessedness then upon the circumcised or upon the uncircumcised? We say verily how that faith was reckoned to Abraham, for righteousness. How was it reckoned? In the time of circumcision? Or in the time before he was circumcised? Not in time of circumcision: but when he was yet uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; And that he might be the father of the circumcised: not because they are circumcised only: but because they walk also in the steps of that faith, that was in our father Abraham before the time of circumcision. For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not given to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law: but through the righteousness which cometh of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, then is faith but vain, and the promise of none effect. Because the law causeth wrath. For where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore by faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of favour: and that the promise might be sure to all the seed. Not to them only which are of the law: but also to them which are of the faith of Abraham, which is the father of us all.

It is not written for him only, that it was reckoned to him for righteousness: but also for us, to whom it shall be counted for righteousness so we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from death. Which was delivered for our sins, and rose again for to justify us.

and hath also put away, through his flesh, the cause of hatred - that is to say, the law of commandments contained in the law written - for to make of twain one new man in himself, so 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 desire with outward appearance to please carnally, they constrain you to be circumcised, only because they would not suffer persecution with the cross of Christ. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessOutward AppearanceLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of CircumcisionOutward CompulsionSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionPersecutionThe Crosstrying

Then arose there up certain of the sect of the Pharisees, which did believe: saying that it was needful to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together to reason of this matter. And when there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, "Ye men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. read more.
And God which knoweth the heart, bare them witness, and gave unto them the holy ghost, even as he did unto us; And he put no difference between them and us, but with faith purified their hearts. Now therefore, why tempt ye God, that ye would put a yoke on the disciples necks which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, as they do." Then all the multitude was peaced and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul which told what signs and wonders God had showed among the gentiles by them. And when they held their peace, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren hearken unto me; Simeon told how God at the beginning did visit the gentiles, and received of them people unto his name. And to this agreeth the words of the prophets, as it is written, 'After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down, and that which is fallen in decay of it will I build again and I will set it up, that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and also the Gentiles upon whom my name is named saith the Lord, which doth all these things.' Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them which from among the gentiles are turned to God: but that we write unto them, that they abstain themselves from filthiness of images, from fornication, from strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time in every city hath them that preach him, and he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath day." Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas, called also Barsabbas, and Silas, which were chief men among the brethren: and gave them letters in their hands after this manner, "The apostles, elders, and brethren send greetings unto the brethren which are of the gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which departed from us, have troubled you with words, and cumbered your minds saying ye must be circumcised and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment. It seemed therefore to us a good thing, when we were come together with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul: men that have jeopardized their lives, for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, which shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the holy ghost and to us, to put no grievous thing to you more than these necessary things, that is to say: that ye abstain from things offered to images, from blood, from strangled and fornication. From which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. So fare ye well."


Came this blessedness then upon the circumcised or upon the uncircumcised? We say verily how that faith was reckoned to Abraham, for righteousness. How was it reckoned? In the time of circumcision? Or in the time before he was circumcised? Not in time of circumcision: but when he was yet uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also;

If any man be called being circumcised, let him add nothing thereto. If any be called uncircumcised: let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, uncircumcision is nothing: but the keeping of the commandments of God is altogether.

Also Titus which was with me, though he were a Greek, yet was not compelled to be circumcised; and that because of incomers, being false brethren, which came in among others to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage.

Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing at all. I testify again to every man which is circumcised that he is bound to keep the whole law. Ye are gone quite from Christ as many as are justified by the law, and are fallen from grace. read more.
We look for, and hope in the spirit, to be justified through faith. For in Jesus Christ, neither is circumcision anything worth, neither yet uncircumcision: but faith, which by love is mighty in operation. Ye did run well. Who was a let unto you, that ye should not obey the truth? Even that counsel that is not of him that called you. A little leaven doth leaven the whole lump of dough. I have trust toward you in God, that ye will be none otherwise minded. He that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whatsoever he be. Brethren, if I yet preach circumcision: why do I then yet suffer persecution? For then had the offense which the cross giveth, ceased.

Wherefore, remember that ye, being in time past gentiles in the flesh, and were called "uncircumcision" to them which are called "circumcision" in the flesh - which circumcision is made by hands - Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalBodyLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of Circumcision

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In whom also ye are circumcised with circumcision made without hands, by putting off the sinful body of the flesh, through the circumcision that is in Christ, Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency

"I am. Behold, my covenant is with thee, that thou shalt be a father of many nations. Therefore shalt thou no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly, and will make nations of thee: yea, and kings shall spring out of thee. read more.
Moreover, I will make my covenant between me, and thee, and thy seed after thee; in their times to be an everlasting testament, so that I will be God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger: even all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and will be their God." And God said unto Abraham, "See thou keep my covenant, both thou and thy seed after thee in their times. This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: that ye circumcise all your men children. Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And every manchild when it is eight days old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, and all servants also born at home or bought with money, though they be strangers and not of thy seed. The servant born in thy house, and he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my covenant may be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. If there be any uncircumcised manchild, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut off, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my covenant."

And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac begat 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 preferment, then, hath the Jew? Other, what advantageth circumcision? Verse ConceptsAdvantagesNecessity Of CircumcisionJews

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

Neither are they all children straightway because they are the seed of Abraham: But in Isaac shall thy seed be called, that is to say; They which are the children of the flesh, are not the children of God. But the children of promise are counted the seed. For this is a word of promise, "About this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son." read more.
Neither was it so with her only: but also when Rebecca was with child by one, I mean by our father Isaac, yer the children were born, when they had neither done good neither bad - that the purpose of God, which is by election, might stand - it was said unto her, not by the reason of works, but by grace of the caller, "The elder shall serve the younger." As it is written, "Jacob he loved, but Esau he hated."

I testify again to every man which is circumcised that he is bound to keep the whole law. Verse ConceptsNecessityCircumcisionUnder The Lawthe Law of moses

This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: that ye circumcise all your men children. Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And every manchild when it is eight days old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, and all servants also born at home or bought with money, though they be strangers and not of thy seed. read more.
The servant born in thy house, and he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my covenant may be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. If there be any uncircumcised manchild, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut off, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my covenant."

And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac begat 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 which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed


Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision: not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers. And yet ye on the Sabbath day circumcise a man. Verse ConceptsAbraham, Family And DescendantsCircumcision, physicalPatriarchsAncestorsCircumcision

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. Verse ConceptsForeskinsCircumcision

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

Circumcision verily availeth if thou keep the law: But if thou break the law thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcised keep the right things contained in the law: shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it keep the law, judge thee, which being under the letter and circumcision, dost transgress the law? read more.
For he is not a Jew, which is a Jew outward. Neither is that thing circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew which is hid within, and the circumcision of the heart is the true circumcision, which is in the spirit, and not in the letter: whose praise is not of men but of God.

For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not given to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law: but through the righteousness which cometh of faith. Verse ConceptsImputed RighteousnessGod's Promise To AbrahamRighteous By FaithPromisesTrust In Relationships


Came this blessedness then upon the circumcised or upon the uncircumcised? We say verily how that faith was reckoned 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 which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed


For what saith the scripture? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Verse ConceptsdecisionsAbrahamRighteous By FaithScripture SaysRighteousness imputedAbraham Believed God


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

but also for us, to whom it shall be counted for righteousness so we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from death. 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 which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

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

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed


but also for us, to whom it shall be counted for righteousness so we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from death. 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 which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; 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 which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; 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 which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; 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 which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualPraiseSealsAbraham, God's Covenant WithAbraham, New Testament ReferencesReckoningRighteous By FaithRighteousness imputed

Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. Verse ConceptsForeskinsCircumcision