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Read Romans 10:5–13
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5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 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); 9 because, 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 with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 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. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
With the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved… Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:10, 13
When I was teaching in a Moscow seminary, I met a former Russian KGB agent. He was confronted with the claims of Christ upon his life, and came to faith, as did his wife. He went to the KGB office to resign knowing this would land him in prison. That day, the former Soviet Union collapsed and everyone scrambled. No action was taken against him. When I met him, he was a brilliant student. Today, he is the president of that seminary where he was trained. He believed and courageously witnessed what he believed, and God used his faithful response.
In today’s passage, Paul contrasts those seeking God’s peace through works with those seeking God’s peace through faith. Faith acknowledges that we are powerless to live righteously on our own. It acknowledges that Jesus is the master of life and firmly believes Jesus rose from the dead.
Paul explained that with the heart we believe and the result is a transformed, righteous life. This, then, leads to witnessing which may bring others to faith. Paul concludes with an emphatic statement that this is available to all people everywhere who call upon God and believe. His Gospel is available to all!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as Paul and Silas stood and witnessed in the Philippian jail, help me to demonstrate my faith by my witness. Amen.