For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Romans 10:10 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.10.10.NLT

The writer of the book of Romans is sharing words from his heart. He wants everyone to understand the way to be made right with God. He longs for everyone to be saved. Listen to what is being said:

Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. Romans 10:1 NLT

This isn’t just about a nation of people; it is about friends and family. People who are known and loved. The deep longing and prayer for them to experience an incredible life with God through Jesus Christ.

For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. Romans 10:3-4 NLT

The author is challenging the traditional and historical way of getting right with God: Keeping the law in every detail. He wants them to see Jesus, and that the law has been fulfilled and kept through Him. Believing in Jesus makes one right with God.

As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:11-13 NLT

This amazing news about Christ is for everyone. No one will be disgraced. God responds generously to everyone who calls on Him.

Reflection

There is a connection between believing in our heart and declaring that belief out loud to others. I remember the day when I knew in my heart that I loved Bev, and I hoped she would become my wife. I held onto that belief, and sometime later declared that love with words. At that moment, what I believed took on life in our relationship. It confirmed what she too, believed (lucky for me!!!). God brought us together.

This is what the writer of Romans is saying. It is the belief in Jesus Christ that makes us right with God. This is a matter of the heart. That belief takes on a living and saving reality when we put words to it. It confirms in others what they know to be true. Our words may end up challenging people who simply do not yet believe this great news in their hearts.

Encouragement

Take time to affirm your belief in Jesus Christ deep within your heart. Receive the amazing truth that you are made right with God by believing in Jesus Christ. Please don’t substitute religious rule-keeping for this amazing truth.

Give words to your belief. Start with a friend or a loved one. They need your words of belief as much as you need to share them. Be generous with your belief in Christ through your words. Let the words that save us be shared with anyone God gives us the opportunity to.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the words in Romans reminding us of the connections between what we believe in our heart and the words we give to those beliefs. Thank you for reminding us of You, and the invitation to believe in You. Thank You for the opportunity to put words to this belief with others every day. In Your strong name, we pray, Amen.

-Ed McDowell, CEO
Warm Beach Camp Ministries