The Message of Faith Extended to All [Romans 10]
1Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. 2For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3For not knowing about God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.8But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
In the two paragraphs above we see the gospel spelled out so clearly. The first paragraph presents our need, the second one presents the message of faith. Paul's prayer was for the Jews' salvation but as we read this chapter we see his prayer extends to all. As you read this chapter, remember the three aspects of salvation - justified, sanctified and glorified.
The need:We have disregarded the righteousness that comes from God by attempting to establish our own righteousness.
Result:
We have not submitted to God's righteousness (righteousness that comes by faith, Romans 9:30).
"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."
The message of faith:
If we confess (acknowledge, agree with) with our mouth "Jesus is Lord," amd believe in our heart that God raised Jesus form the dead, we will be saved.
Believing in the heart results in righteousness,
Confessing with the mouth results in salvation.
Let us confess together our faith as we praise God for this great salvation He has extended to all who believe and call upon Him. "The same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him." He has provided the way for us to be right with Him through His Son. Jesus is Lord!
Verna McCrillis, 7/22/2009