Matters of the Heart

Read Romans 9:1–11:36

9. 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.
10. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
11. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
12. Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.
13. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14. But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? . . .
15. That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:9-15

A perfunctory “luv ya” is about as convincing as a used-car advertisement. It is easy to pass off and too trivial to be taken seriously. You wouldn’t build a relationship on a “luv ya,” would you?

Like us, God does not care for or desire a “luv ya.” In this reading, Paul tells the Romans that there is more to believing in Jesus than mouthing the words Jesus is Lord. There must be a commitment of the heart as well. As you read, consider whether your faith has moved beyond words to the heart.

Also in this reading, note the lesson on God’s sovereignty that Paul teaches through the illustration of clay pots. In addition, notice Paul’s love for the Jews, despite their inhumane treatment of him. Read about God’s mercy toward both Jews and Gentiles.

“How do I become a Christian?” That question will receive a wide variety of answers, depending on the religious affiliation or denomination. But Romans 10:8-13 gives the true answer: If we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved. Salvation takes no more or less work than that.

Some people try to complicate the process of becoming a Christian with additional requirements, such as belief in a cherished doctrine or certain patterns of behavior, but they should not. God has left it all marvelously simple and plainly outlined in this portion of Scripture.

Jesus will save those who truly believe in him (Romans 10:13). Don’t complicate what God has made simple, especially something of such great importance as salvation. Leave doctrinal disputes and differences of opinion out of the salvation equation.