"But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart"—that is, the word of faith which we preach: that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." - Romans 10:8-10
Reflection
Romans 10:8-10 beautifully expresses the simplicity and power of salvation. Paul, writing to the believers in Rome, makes it clear that salvation is not achieved through human effort, religious rituals, or complex theological processes. Instead, it is an act of faith—believing in the resurrection of Jesus and confessing Him as Lord.
This passage emphasizes that the word of faith is near, accessible to all. It is not hidden, reserved for the learned or righteous, but available to anyone who hears and receives it. Paul highlights two essential components of salvation: belief and confession.
Belief is the inward conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. This faith goes beyond intellectual understanding; it is a surrender of the heart to the truth of the gospel. Believing "unto righteousness" means that through faith, we are made right with God. It is not our own righteousness but the righteousness given to us through Jesus' sacrifice.
Confession is the outward expression of our inward faith. Declaring Jesus as Lord is a public proclamation of allegiance to Him. Words have power, and when we speak our faith, it solidifies the commitment in our hearts. This confession is not merely acknowledging facts—it is an intentional declaration that Jesus is Lord over our lives, guiding our steps and shaping our identity.
Personal Application
This passage is a powerful reminder that salvation is not complicated. It does not require a perfect life, extensive knowledge, or religious achievements. It requires faith—faith that moves from the heart to the lips, expressing trust in Jesus Christ.
For those who have not yet made this confession, the invitation is open. There is no prerequisite except a willing heart. God's grace meets us where we are, offering salvation freely to those who believe and declare Jesus as Lord.
For believers, this passage challenges us to live in the truth of our confession. Declaring Jesus as Lord is not a one-time event but a continuous commitment to follow Him. Our words should reflect our faith—not just in moments of worship, but in daily conversations, decisions, and interactions. Living out our confession means embodying righteousness, walking in obedience, and demonstrating Christ’s love to others.
It also encourages us to share the message of salvation boldly. Since the word of faith is near, it is meant to be shared with those who have not yet heard. Paul’s words inspire confidence that salvation is accessible to all who will believe. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak this truth, inviting others to experience the grace and redemption found in Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation, given freely through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You that Your word is near, accessible to all who seek You. Help me to believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Strengthen my faith, and let my life reflect my confession in all that I do. Guide me to walk in righteousness and share Your truth with others so they may also experience Your grace. May my words bring glory to You and encourage those around me to trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Written by Sarah Leasure
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