Believe

Text: Romans 10:5-13

Key verses: “But faith’s way of getting right with God says…’The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.’ And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, ‘Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced'” (v. 6, 8-11). “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (v. 13).

What God said to me: This. This is the crux of all that matters. This is the pinnacle of understanding and purpose. This is the heart of the Gospel: that you believe and place your trust in my Son to save you. Nothing else matters in life until and unless you have done this. This is the primary reason you live your days on the earth–to be saved from the wrath to come, to live eternally with me because you believed in my Son’s sacrifice, death and resurrection. And notice that Paul wasn’t content just saying you believe the Truth in your heart. He said you must confess Christ with your mouth. True faith includes outward evidence of belief. True faith in the gospel message means a change in what comes out of you. People must believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths. Obviously a mute person can’t speak and verbally confess me as Lord. Paul wasn’t being legalistic about this. The point is you can’t be content keeping your faith on the inside of you. Your religion isn’t a “private thing.” My Son took a bold stand for you. Imagine if he’d kept his love for you and his desire for your salvation to himself. What if he’d never taken the physical steps toward the cross? What if he’d never spoken words like, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son”? Lordship in your life is just that–letting Jesus be Lord, not only in your heart, but through your words, actions and lifestyle.

What I said to God: Lord, I am not clear yet on what all this means. I admit, I don’t fully understand why it’s necessary to both believe in the heart and confess with the mouth. But I don’t have to understand it. I just need to have done it. I’m so grateful for a godly mom and a wonderful pastor who shared with me the plan of salvation and helped me meet you as my Lord and Savior. It truly was the greatest moment of my entire life. Help me share this simple but life-altering message with everyone I can.