Romans 10 presents a powerful message about salvation, emphasizing that faith is the key to receiving righteousness from God. The apostle Paul, speaking to both Jews and non-Jews, reminds us that salvation comes not through strict adherence to the law, but through belief in Jesus Christ. This chapter challenges religious formalism, showing how zeal for God can sometimes miss the mark when it’s focused solely on rules rather than faith.
1. The Zeal of the Law: Misguided Focus Paul begins by acknowledging that his people, the Jews, have great zeal for God, but it’s a zeal based on following the law rather than on faith. He himself had once been part of this zealous group, as a Pharisee who meticulously followed every aspect of the law. But, as Paul now points out, righteousness comes not from these works but from faith in Christ.
This zeal is admirable in its dedication, yet misplaced when it becomes about self-righteousness rather than surrendering to God’s righteousness through Christ. Paul’s message is clear: the law, as given through Moses, was important but was ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who ended the law as the means to righteousness.
2. Faith in Christ: The Heart of Salvation Paul explains that the essence of salvation is faith, not the works of the law. He emphasizes that faith involves both a heartfelt belief and a spoken confession. “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the gospel message.
In Romans 10, Paul deconstructs the common concerns about who is saved and how. Salvation is not about who will ascend into heaven or descend into the abyss to find Christ. Instead, it’s about recognizing that the word of faith is already near—available in both the heart and the mouth of anyone who believes.
3. The Universality of the Gospel One of the most significant points Paul makes in this chapter is that the gospel is for everyone. “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him” (Romans 10:12). The inclusivity of the message is revolutionary for its time, especially considering the historical divisions between Jews and Gentiles.
Paul continues to stress that salvation is for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.” This promise of salvation is available to all, transcending cultural, religious, and ethnic boundaries. God’s grace is extended to everyone, and the pathway to receiving it is through faith.
4. The Chain of Belief: Hearing and Preaching Paul then addresses how this faith comes about. He explains that belief in the heart and confession with the mouth stems from hearing the gospel. But how can people hear if no one is sent to preach? This passage highlights the importance of evangelism and the responsibility of believers to share the message of Christ.
The sequence Paul outlines goes like this: people call on the name of the Lord because they believe; they believe because they hear; they hear because someone preaches; and someone preaches because they are sent. This shows the interconnectedness of believers and the role they play in spreading the gospel. It’s not a solitary mission; it’s a community effort, guided by God.
5. God’s Outstretched Hand: A Call to Accept Grace The chapter ends on a poignant note with God extending his hand to a disobedient and contrary people. Despite Israel’s rejection of the gospel, God still offers his hand, waiting for them to return to him. This image of God holding out his hand is a powerful metaphor for his persistent love and mercy.
Even today, we often experience moments of doubt, feelings of being forgotten or abandoned. But Romans 10 reminds us that God is always there, offering his hand to pull us up, just as Jesus did for Peter when he was sinking. The key is to reach out in faith, trusting that God’s hand is strong enough to lift us up from whatever challenges we face.
Conclusion: Faith Is Within Reach Romans 10 presents a clear and simple message: salvation is by faith, not works. This faith is not out of reach or complicated. It’s near, in our hearts and mouths, accessible to all who believe. As believers, we are called not only to accept this faith but also to share it with others, helping to spread the message of God’s grace and mercy to everyone.
