Romans 10:5-13
Scripture: Romans 10:5-13 (ESV)
“For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 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); 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. 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.’ 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. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
Devotion:
These verses draw a sharp contrast between two ways of pursuing righteousness: one through the law, which demands perfect obedience, and the other through faith in Christ, which is surprisingly simple and accessible to all.
Imagine standing at the bottom of a vast, insurmountable cliff, with the top representing the perfect righteousness God requires. The law is like being told to climb this cliff with no tools or help. It’s an impossible task that is filled with frustration and failure, and in attempting the climb, you always end up killing yourself.
In contrast, faith is like discovering there’s an elevator right next to you. All you need to do is hop on, and it will always, 100% of the time, reach the top of the mountain. The effort to climbed (our righteousness through the law) versus the acceptance of a gift (righteousness through faith) couldn’t be more different.
Paul emphasizes that this “elevator” — salvation through faith — isn’t hidden or complicated. All you need to do is to step onto it. This requires two thing – confession and belief. Confession recognizes that you could never climb the mountain yourself, that you are stuck in sin and that every effort you have ever made to climb actually dug a deeper hole for you at the base of the mountain. Belief is a genuine trust that Jesus did the climb for you so that you won’t have to. These two, confession and belief are our responses to God’s invitation. We call it simply faith.
But notice, God’s invitation is not just for the Israelite. No it is for everyone who would believe. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, without exception. No one who attempts the climb the mountain themselves will be saved.
In which camp are you?
Prayer:
The content below was originally paywalled.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the simplicity of the gospel. Help us to appreciate the beauty and depth of Your grace, which makes salvation so accessible through faith in Jesus. Keep us from complicating what You have made simple and remind us of the power of confessing with our mouths and believing in our hearts. May we live in the joy and freedom of Your salvation, extending the invitation to others without distinction. Amen.
Spiritual Challenge:
Today, reflect on the simplicity of the gospel and how it contrasts with human tendencies to complicate or earn God’s favor. Look for opportunities to share this simple but profound truth with someone who might be struggling with the notion that they have to “climb the cliff” on their own. Encourage them with the good news that the “elevator” is ready and waiting for them.