Circumcision was given as a sign and seal of the righteousness Abraham already possessed by faith — not as the means or condition of the covenant.
In Romans 4:11 Paul calls it "the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised." Les Feldick stresses that Abraham was justified before circumcision was even mentioned, so circumcision did not earn or add to the covenant; it marked and confirmed what God had already done. It also set apart the Jewish line through whom Christ would confirm the promises made to the fathers.
Romans 4:11 — Paul directly explains that circumcision was a sign and seal of Abraham's existing righteousness by faith.
Genesis 17:8 — This verse shows the everlasting land promise that was attached to Abraham and his seed.
Romans 15:8 — Paul connects Christ's ministry to the circumcision (the Jews) as the confirmation of promises made to the fathers.
Romans 4:11 states that Abraham received the sign of circumcision as "a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised." The verse also says he became the father of all who believe even if they are not circumcised, so that righteousness might be imputed to them. Genesis 12:2–3 records God's original covenant with Abram, promising a great nation and blessing, while Genesis 17:8 promises the land of Canaan to Abraham and his seed as an everlasting possession. Romans 15:8 adds that Jesus Christ was "a minister of the circumcision" to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.
Les Feldick emphasizes that Abraham received a righteousness by faith before circumcision had ever been introduced. He points to Romans 4:11 and notes that Abraham was justified "being yet uncircumcised." Therefore, circumcision did not bring Abraham into the covenant; it was a sign and seal of the faith-righteousness he already had. Les also teaches that because Abraham came out of Ur by faith before the sign was given, believers today — who are not part of the circumcision covenant — are tied to Abraham in the same way. At the same time, Les insists that the Abrahamic covenant is unbreakable and God will maintain it with Israel no matter what, because it originates and ends with God.
Romans 4:11 makes clear that Abraham had the sign of circumcision as a seal of righteousness he already had while uncircumcised. Les Feldick emphasizes that for the first 2,000 years there was no hint of circumcision, and Abraham was called from Ur of the Chaldees out of idolatry by faith before circumcision was ever implemented. This shows the covenant was grounded in God's promise and Abraham's faith, not in the ritual sign.
Les Feldick says believers today are not part of the circumcision covenant. Abraham is the father of all who believe without circumcision, so the same righteousness is imputed to uncircumcised believers. Circumcision was given to the nation of Israel as the sign of that covenant relationship.
The covenant God made with Abraham promised a great nation, land, and government. Les teaches that a covenant that originates and ends with God is never broken or rescinded. He points to God's promise of the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession, and to Christ as the minister of the circumcision confirming the promises made to the fathers.
God's Covenant With Israel Continues
Les teaches that Genesis 17:8 promises Canaan as an everlasting possession and that God will maintain His covenant with Abraham's Jewish offspring regardless of what Israel does.
Circumcision as Sign and Seal
Les reads Romans 4:11 to show that Abraham received circumcision as a seal of the righteousness he already had by faith while uncircumcised.
Covenant Defined as Unbreakable
Les explains that the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 12:2–3 is from God to man and is irrevocable.
Covenant Never Broken
Les reiterates that because the Abrahamic covenant originates and ends with God, it can never be invalidated or rescinded.
Faith Before Circumcision
Les emphasizes that Abraham left Ur by faith before circumcision was implemented, proving we are not part of the circumcision covenant.
Covenant Promise of Nation, Land, Government
Les summarizes the Abrahamic covenant as God's promise to make a great nation, give them land, and be their king and government.
Christ Minister of the Circumcision
Les identifies the people of the circumcision as the Jews and says Christ came to confirm the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Land and Government in the Covenant
Les explains that the Abrahamic covenant had to include a nation, a geographical land, and a government.
Genesis 12:2-3: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
This is the original Abrahamic covenant that God made with Abram, promising a great nation and blessing.
Genesis 17:8: And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
This verse shows the everlasting land promise attached to Abraham and his seed.
Romans 4:11: And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
This verse directly explains that circumcision was a sign and seal of righteousness Abraham already had by faith.
Romans 15:8: Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
This verse connects Christ's ministry to the circumcision people, the Jews, confirming promises made to the patriarchs.
No. Romans 4:11 shows Abraham received circumcision as a sign and seal of the righteousness he already had while uncircumcised. Les Feldick emphasizes that Abraham was justified by faith before circumcision was even mentioned to him.
Les Feldick teaches that believers today are not part of the circumcision covenant. Abraham is the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so righteousness is imputed to uncircumcised believers by faith.
It is a seal of the righteousness of faith. Abraham had the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness he possessed by faith while he was still uncircumcised, according to Romans 4:11.
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