Verse of the Day for Thursday, April 18, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Thursday, April 18, 2024

Romans 10:9-10

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. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.

Romans 10:9-10 is a significant passage in the New Testament, located within the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. This letter is known for its rich theological content and its exploration of key Christian doctrines such as salvation, grace, and faith. In this specific passage, Paul focuses on the simplicity and profundity of the Christian message of salvation.

This passage emphasizes two critical aspects of Christian belief: confession and belief. Paul is essentially condensing the Christian gospel into a simple, yet profound, formula. The act of confessing with the lips that "Jesus is Lord" represents an outward, public declaration of faith. It's a verbal acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship and sovereignty. This confession is not merely a formality; it indicates a profound personal conviction and commitment.

On the other hand, believing in the heart that God raised Jesus from the dead encompasses the inner aspect of faith. This belief is not just intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on the truth of the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is central to Christian faith, as it demonstrates God's power over death and affirms the divinity of Jesus.

Paul links these two actions - confession and belief - to salvation, highlighting that they are both essential. The heart and mouth work together, symbolizing the unity of belief and confession in the Christian experience. To believe with the heart results in justification, which is being declared righteous before God. Confession with the mouth leads to salvation, which encompasses not just eternal life but also deliverance and restoration in this life.

Overall, Romans 10:9-10 encapsulates the core of the Christian message about salvation. It underscores the importance of both internal belief and external confession in the journey of faith. This passage has been foundational in Christian thought and practice, emphasizing that salvation is accessible to all who genuinely embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and believe in the power of His resurrection.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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