one that has the power to divide what is seemingly indivisible (Ps. 2:9; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 2:16; 19:15). In this passage Paul explores the life-giving power of the verdict of our justification by faith alone—what it means when God says, “You are righteous!” He explains the connection between the spoken word, God’s verbal verdict, and the visible word—that is, the sacrament of circumcision. Paul explains the significance of circumcision as a sign and seal of the righteousness that Abraham had by faith.