Romans 10:10-13: The Universal Results of Faith

Introduction:

What is faith? One of my favourite ways to define faith is to look at faith’s opposites, what is the opposite of faith? Firstly, the opposite of faith is unbelief. When Christ was walking on this earth proclaiming who He was and attesting these declarations with miracles, there were those who did not believe what He said. Secondly, the opposite of faith is fear. Hebrews talks about faith being the assurance of things hoped for, faith does not doubt whether this promise is true but finds God trustworthy and is full of confidence not fear and doubt. The third opposite to faith is works. Paul especially emphasises this aspect of faith when stressing how we become righteous before a holy God. We do not trust in our own works, or any form of righteousness that can be manufactured by us, but we put our trust or faith in Christ and what He does not us.

The nature and effects of faith is what Paul has been exploring in Romans 10. You will remember that Paul in Romans 9-11 is speaking to the controversial issue of the unbelief of the Jews. He has looked at God’s involvement in election, and the Jews involvement in unbelief. Paul made a bold statement in 10:4 which he has been unpacking from v5-13, ‘For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.’ The Gentiles have been included by faith but the Jews are excluded because they cling to their law keeping instead of to Christ as their law keeper. Paul has been developing the two points he made in 10:4, firstly, that those who believe are made righteous in Christ; and secondly, everyone who believes will be made righteous. We have been looking deeply into the nature of faith as Paul has been describing it, and we now want to look at the results of faith, what it brings about, and the universality of faith, that faith is the way of every person for salvation. We will see that believing brings about justification, salvation and not being put to shame on the last day, and that these results are for all who believe.

Romans 10:10-13, ‘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.”