Much later, God praises the (virtual) sacrifice of Isaac, telling Abraham, “Because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you” (Gen. 22:16–17). Blessing always attaches to obeying God’s will. But Abraham’s fidelity to God—expressed in circumcision and offering up Isaac—follows God’s affirmation of his act of trust, his believing God. This rules out the argument that circumcision (or any other “work” commanded by God) can be the basis for God’s justifying