Everyone...

Romans 10

The Good News of the Gospel is that in and through Jesus Christ, everyone can be saved! Everyone can possess eternal life! The “anyone” of Romans 10:13 echoes the “everyone” of John 3:16-17.

“For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (ESV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16–17 (ESV).

“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. Romans 10:9–11 (ESV)

Why did Israel stumble over Christ and reject Him? Because they did not understand the kind of righteousness God wanted or how to get it.

“Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:1–4 (ESV)

Like the Pharisees (and many people today), they thought only of righteous works and could not comprehend a righteousness that comes by faith. If only I do this or that. If only I be kind. If only I serve at the soup kitchen. If only I go to church, get baptized, and give in the offering plate.

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” Acts 2:21 (ESV)

The missionary heart of Paul comes out in his letter to the Romans and more specifically right here.

“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.” Romans 10:11–13 (ESV)

Salvation is by faith, and faith comes “by hearing . . . the word of God”.

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:14–17 (ESV)

Here, Paul proclaims that unbelieving sinners, including Israel, cannot hear unless we tell them. God needs people with beautiful feet to carry the gospel to the lost.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)

Despite Paul’s broken heart for Israel and their failure to hear and receive the Gospel, repent, and run to God’s outstretched arms, he continued to proclaim louder, echoing Christ crucified, buried, resurrected, and ascended. However, Israel still did not believe; but the Gentiles did believe and God saved them!

Today, when you feel discouraged in your witness, remember Paul; keep praying, keep caring and keep sharing the good news of Jesus and His saving grace. Keep those feet beautiful!
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Who are three people in your circle of friends or influence that you are praying for today? Who are the two people for which you are spiritually investing by helping them walk closer to Jesus; by meeting and studying the life of Jesus together? Who is it that is holding you accountable and speaking into your life? How are you growing in the faith and for whom are you sharing the message of hope and salvation?

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