“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 are not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed to them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.” Romans 4:11-12
Old Testament circumcision was a sign and seal that one is a partaker of God’s covenant in which he, like Abraham, is counted just and righteous through faith in God’s promise of a Savior. Thus, Abraham is the father of all who trust in God’s promise of mercy and forgiveness in the Messiah and Savior, whether circumcised or uncircumcised. New Covenant baptism replaced circumcision and is the circumcision made without hands, the circumcision of Christ (cf. Col. 2:11ff.).
O Lord, grant that I not view baptism as my work but as Your gracious work, making me a partaker of the New Covenant in Your blood in which I have forgiveness for all my sins and a place in Your everlasting kingdom through faith in You and Your atoning sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1833 Webster Version of the Bible.]