Romans: Near and Clear

Romans 10:5-13

Sometimes you hear people say they've received “a special word” from God. That’s impressive and sounds very spiritual. I do not doubt that God speaks to individuals personally. However, I will add this—if we're receiving a “word” from God, it should come from the Word of God! He speaks clearly and directly to us through the Scriptures. An extraordinary revelation isn’t necessary because God’s Word is accessible and straightforward, providing us with everything we need to know about who God is, how we can have a personal relationship with him, and how we can grow in that relationship.

In today’s passage, Paul tells his fellow Jews that they are ignoring the salvation message from God’s Word that was meant for them. The Jews rejected Jesus and the way to salvation through faith, even though they had been reading about the coming Messiah since their bar mitzvahs. 

Paul had already reasoned that Jesus Christ is the sole focus and fulfillment of the law. The law is completely fulfilled through him. Jesus obeyed it perfectly and, as a sinless man, is the only one capable of paying the penalty for our sins. 

But the Jews were reluctant, still discussing, “Maybe we don’t need Jesus. Perhaps we can also follow the law perfectly.” To counter this idea, Paul refers to the example of Moses. 

Romans 10:5
For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 

Paul reminds his readers of Moses and how he received the law. Then he adds Leviticus 18:5, “the person who does the commandments shall live by them.” If the Jews were to be righteous based on the law, they would have to obey it perfectly at all times. Of course, that is an impossible task. 

Bible scholar John Witmer explains that Paul’s follow-up argument in Romans 10:6-8 is based on Deuteronomy 30:12-14, where Moses gives instructions to the Israelites before they enter the promised land.[1] If Israel obeys, the nation will be blessed; however, if the people disobey, they will face severe consequences. 

The generation Moses was speaking to had already received the message. They didn’t need to go to heaven to get it or “over the sea” to bring it back (Deut. 30:12-13). Moses said, “But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it” (Deut. 30:14). Paul was emphasizing that this example from Moses applies to the current Jewish generation, so he similarly challenges them. 

Romans 10:6-8
But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim)….

For his audience, Paul incorporated Christology into the Deuteronomy passage. We don’t need to ascend to heaven to bring Christ down to us, because he has already come as a man. We don’t need to descend into the abyss to bring Christ up from the dead, since he has already been resurrected. The message of the gospel, “the word of faith,” was clear and accessible to Paul’s readers. They didn’t need more knowledge; they needed to believe.

Romans 10:9-11
…If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”  

This is the gospel, the “news of victory” in a nutshell. With our mouths, we individually confess, “I believe! I believe in all the promises of God about his Son, Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that ‘Jesus is Lord,’ that is, he is God in the flesh, lived a perfect life, died to pay the penalty for sin, and rose to indestructible life. I confess that I am a sinner and cannot work my way to God by the works of the law.” 

A believer’s confession is more than just words. It originates from a heart (the center of the mind, emotions, and will) that accepts and believes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are sufficient and efficient for salvation. We recognize that our hearts are “desperately sick” (Jer. 17:9). Coming to Christ expresses the desire to be justified—cleansed of sin and filled with righteousness. 

Being justified isn't achieved by attending a CCD class, taking your first communion, or being baptized. You can't be justified by being a “good person” who generously serves others. We all stand guilty before God, unable to save ourselves. Our best effort on our best day still falls short; therefore, Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves. When the transformation of our hearts is confessed with our mouths, we “will be saved.” 

This is not a new idea. This truth is evident throughout the Old Testament, especially in the book of Isaiah. “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame” (a quote from Isaiah 28:16). God’s salvation through Jesus is not limited to Jews or just for Gentiles. In God’s eyes, there is no distinction.  

Romans 10:12
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 

The Jews had special spiritual privileges, but the salvation that God offered came through faith in the finished work of Jesus. That offer is for everyone. Quoting Joel 2:32, Paul writes: 

Romans 10:13
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Our passage today delivers an urgent invitation. Let’s pause for a moment to ensure we understand this crucial message:

• Do you believe in your heart—your inner being—that Jesus came in the flesh and was fully God and fully man?
• Do you believe in your heart—your inner being—that Jesus paid the penalty for your sins on the cross? 
• Do you believe that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead? 
• Have you confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord? 

The invitation is open to everyone, and the promise is sure: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Rom. 10:13). 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time with the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 10:5-13. Pay special attention to Romans 10:9-13 and the invitation to salvation. 

Talking to God: Have you personally responded—confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord?

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