with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Context / meaning
Romans 10 [5.] For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, “The one who does them will live by them.”[b] But the righteousness which is of faith says this, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’[c] (that is, to bring Christ down); or, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’[d] (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”;[e] that is, the word of faith, which we preach: that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10 [10.] For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”[f]
Romans 10 [12.] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him. For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[g] How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace,
who bring glad tidings of good things!”[h]
Footnotes:
b. Romans 10:5 Leviticus 18:5.
c. Romans 10:6 Deuteronomy 30:12.
d. Romans 10:7 Deuteronomy 30:13.
e. Romans 10:8 Deuteronomy 30:14.
f. Romans 10:11 Isaiah 28:16.
g. Romans 10:13 Joel 2:32.
h. Romans 10:15 Isaiah 52:7.
Meaning
The two-fold requirement outlined in these verses—confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart—is not a mere ritual but a reflection of genuine faith. It involves a holistic commitment of both thought and expression, emphasizing the unity of our inner convictions and outward proclamation.
- Jesus as Lord:
The confession that "Jesus is Lord" is foundational to Christian faith. It goes beyond acknowledging Jesus as a historical figure or a moral teacher. It declares a surrender to His lordship, recognizing His divine authority over our lives. This confession is a pivotal step in the journey of salvation.
- Resurrection and Salvation:
Believing in the resurrection is not a passive acknowledgment of a historical event; it's a vibrant trust in the transformative power of God. The resurrection validates Jesus' divinity and the efficacy of His redemptive work. Belief in the resurrection is intricately linked to the promise of salvation.
- Righteousness through Faith:
The connection between belief and righteousness underscores the principle of justification by faith. It is not our works that make us righteous but our faith in the atoning work of Christ. This righteousness is imputed to us, aligning us with God's standards through our faith response.
- The Power of Confession:
Confessing with the mouth is more than a vocal exercise; it's a declaration of allegiance. This public confession not only affirms our personal faith but also serves as a testimony to others. It stands as a bold proclamation of our identity in Christ and contributes to the communal aspect of faith.
- Confidence in Salvation:
The assurance of salvation is a recurring theme in these verses. The promise is explicit: "you will be saved." This assurance is not based on our merit or performance but on the finished work of Christ. It instills confidence and dispels doubt, reminding us that our salvation is secure in Him.
- The Promise of No Disappointment:
The closing statement, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed," speaks to the trustworthiness of God's promises. It echoes the idea that placing our faith in Christ leads to a fulfillment that surpasses human expectations. In Christ, there is no room for ultimate disappointment.
Cross References:
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."
This foundational verse echoes the theme of belief leading to eternal life, aligning with the emphasis in Romans 10:9-11.
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."
Ephesians reinforces the concept that salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned through our efforts.
In summary, Romans 10:9-11 encapsulates the core tenets of Christian faith—confession, belief, righteousness through faith, and the assurance of salvation. It calls us to an active and vibrant faith that engages both heart and mouth, leading to a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9-11. If you will 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 unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”
faith - promise - righteous
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible