Scripture Reading(s)
Romans 10:5-15
10:5 Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.”
10:6 But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?'” (that is, to bring Christ down)
10:7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?'” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
10:8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
10:9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10:10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.
10:11 The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.”
10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.
10:13 For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
10:14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?
10:15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Reflections
Paul is trying so hard to reach out to the Jewish nation. In his argument to bring about the Gospel, he always goes back to the their Jewish history and points out major figures that they look up to, that believed in Jesus Christ. Moses was one who stood out greatly in the eyes of the Jewish people. Paul, knowing that, decided to point out to them that even one of their greatest leaders, shared in the same love for Jesus Christ that Paul is talking about.
Sometimes making the Gospel real to a group of people or even one individual can be very difficult. There can be different beliefs, doubts, concerns and just lack of interest on their part. The key point that Paul makes here is that he points out the Gospel was not something that he is making up. It was once real to many others long before him and he also experienced it in a dramatic way.
The strong argument that Paul makes is that because of what Jesus Christ has done, now there is no distinction between the Jewish people and the Greeks. Meaning culture and background plays no role in the Gospel being true to you. It is now available to all and anyone who has a heart that is open to hearing it.
This is good news that Paul is preaching. He carries with him a message filled with everlasting hope, peace and joy that can only be found in believing and accepting Jesus Christ into your life. Let us also be ambassadors that bring good news the people around us.
Paul’s letter to the Roman church is one of the most influential books of the NT when trying to understand Christian salvation. One of the most critical parts is 10:9-10.
10:9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10:10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.
Here Paul simplifies his theology for a moment and gives a simple application note. If we confess Jesus as Lord and believe in our hearts, we are saved. It’s as simple as that.
However, it’s important to note that in this passage Paul is also urging his fellow Christians to be actively professing Jesus with their mouths. Christianity is not a passive religion. Our salvation should be followed by both works (James 2:24) and by sharing of the gospel to others. We are not saved by our works and deeds, but our deeds are a reflection of our salvation.
[Featured image by Rembrandt, titled: The Baptism of the Eunuch]