In Romans 9 through 11, Paul wrestles with a painful question: why have so many of his own Jewish people not believed in Jesus? In the middle of that discussion he gives one of the clearest pictures of how a person is saved. He also shows how the good news spreads from one person to another. This passage is both an invitation and a commission. It tells you how to receive salvation and reminds you that someone else is waiting to hear the message you have received.
The Word Is Near You
Paul says the word of faith is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart (Romans 10:8-10). He is echoing Moses, who told Israel that God’s word was not far off but very near, so they could do it (Deuteronomy 30:14). Salvation does not require climbing to heaven or digging into the deep. Christ has already come down and risen again. Paul explains: if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. Heart and mouth go together. True faith inside will show itself in words outside. Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). What you truly believe about Jesus will come out in what you say.
When did you last say out loud to someone that Jesus is your Lord, and who could you share that with in a natural way this week?
Whoever Calls Will Be Saved
Paul insists there is no difference between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him (Romans 10:12-13). Then he quotes the prophet Joel: whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Joel 2:32). Peter preached that same verse on the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out and thousands believed (Acts 2:21). Notice the word whoever. It leaves no one out. The proud and the humble, the rich and the poor, the long-time churchgoer and the person with a terrible past can all call on Jesus. Salvation is not found by being born into a certain family or nation. It is found by calling on the Lord in faith. Have you called on Him for yourself?
Who do you know that may think they are too far from God, and what could you say to show them that whoever calls on Jesus will be saved?
How Will They Hear?
Paul asks a chain of questions: how shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How shall they believe without hearing? How shall they hear without a preacher? How shall they preach unless they are sent (Romans 10:14-15)? He then quotes Isaiah about the beautiful feet of those who bring good news (Isaiah 52:7). Paul sums it up: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Faith is born and fed as we hear God’s Word. That is why we read, study and listen to Scripture. It also means every believer has a part to play. Jesus sent His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Some go, some give, and all of us pray and speak.
What specific plan will you make this week to hear God’s Word more, such as reading a chapter daily or listening to Scripture on your commute?
Conclusion
This passage shows the simple path of salvation and the call to share it. The word of faith is near: confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead. That promise is open to whoever calls on His name. And because faith comes by hearing the word of God, the message must be spoken and sent. Jesus is the Lord we confess, the name we call on, and the message we carry to others.
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