My Big idea for today is that the righteousness to which we have been called is closer than you think. My prayer today is that together you and me will be putting our spiritual house together as we prepare/consecrate ourselves for his coming friends Jesus is coming soon. If you have your Bibles today will you turn with me to Romans 10 starting in verse 5.
Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:5-13
I have separated my thoughts into 2 sections/points in order to share them with you today. Let’s take a look at my first point.
The Righteousness Of Christ Is Accessible.
Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:
Romans 10:5-8
In this passage Paul points to the words of Moses where he describes some different types of righteousness. One by the Law, a righteousness of works and one a righteousness by faith. Concerning righteousness by the Law. He says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Pointing to the Old Testament idea of the word “living” meaning they will enjoy the privilege of the covenant, not necessarily eternal life.
Verses 6 & 7 deal with the righteousness by faith—
But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
Romans 10:6-7
This is a reference to Deuteronomy 30:12-13
It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?
Deuteronomy 30:12-13
To say it in simple terms, is that righteousness by faith is not far away that someone must go get it for you. Its right here. The righteousness of Christ is available and accessible.
In the old covenant, The Law was the guide, but the presence of God was at the tabernacle or the temple. Paul is saying that in the new covenant, righteousness of God is found through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s available and accessible because you can believe wherever you are and at any time.
I once did a funeral where a man had passed away. He was a fairly young man and his passing was unexpected. There had been some concern as to where he might spend eternity. You see he had lived a questionable lifestyle; he was kind of a rough guy. I though to myself, how do I comfort this family, because his mother was very concerned. I learned that because of the nature of the accident, this man died over a course of hours. He did not die instantly. I began to think of the thief on the cross. How he was already a dead man as he hung there waiting to die. How the Lord offered this thief a moment of faith at that exact time when he believed. Like the thief, this man had nothing to offer. He could do no works. And when the world had condemned him, Jesus welcomed him because he had faith. This righteousness that justifies us, is available and accessible to us at all times because of Christ Jesus.
I’ll move to my final point.
The Righteousness Of Christ Is Essential To Salvation
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:9-13
Because we can access His righteousness by faith. Because it is so near and readily available, it is in our hearts and in our mouths. What we are describing here is one of the most basic signs of being a Christian.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
Pretty simple right. Paul explains it a little further.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Romans 10:10
Friends, it’s easy to say some words because you think you ought to. Or to be agreeable, just to get along. God requires something pretty specific.
The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught…”
Isaiah 29:13
Being religious/spiritual doesn’t work. Coming to church isn’t good enough. It must be in our hearts. He has provided all that we need to be saved. He has brought it near and made it accessible to us.
As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:11-13
Again, Paul is referencing the Old Testament. He’s tying in some of his previous remarks from chapter 9.
So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
Isaiah 28:16
“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.
Paul reinforces the inclusion of the Gospel message and gives solid reassurance of salvation.
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:12-13
Notice the language. No difference, all, all, & everyone. Amen?
We are brought to notice the connection between our heart and our mouths.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
Proverbs 10:11
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Above all else, guard your heart,
Proverbs 4:23
for everything you do flows from it.
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Matthew 12:34
This really speaks to the beginning stages of transformation. When we experience that paradigm shift/change in the way we think, it’s the thing brings us to true repentance. When we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and God raised Him from the dead, we are saved. Think about when love was young. husband/wife. The feeling begins to grow, and you believe that he/she is the one. And you reach that point where you have to tell them you love them. You can’t stand it one moment longer. You’re are convinced and you can’t go another day without confessing your love. It’s the same with Jesus. Confessing Christ is an act of faith and love that comes from the heart.
Christ is the culmination of the Law. He has brought it near and made it accessible. But He has also written His moral law on our hearts and out of the holiness of God, the holy spirit convicts and guides us to doing right and/or turn to repentance. He has included all people. However, God requires us to accept Him and His word. This is our call to action—If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. And he will never put us to shame.
Let’s dump all of our allusions of righteousness, so we open our hearts to Jesus. He’s the Son of the living God, and we can receive from Him today His Righteousness. Will you call on him today? Your salvation/forgiveness is just one prayer away. Will you trust in his ability to do what He said He would do? Will you believe today? Many of you need a fresh touch from God today. Is there some form of unbelief or a fracture of trust as it relates to God in your life today? God wants to redeem and restore those areas of your life? He wants to restore Joy and hope for you today. You’re hearing this now and the Holy Spirit has brought someone or something to mind. He wants to speak life into this today. He wants to bring healing in this area today. There are areas of deep regret when it comes to your relationship with God and you have rejected Christ as your savior. It’s not too late
It’s not too late to humble yourself before him today, hold out your arms and open your hands to receive from him today. Will you say yes to Jesus, today? Will you bow your heads with me? Some of you already know the Lord, but maybe he’s put something on your heart that you need to deal with, you need to ask his forgiveness today. If that’s you will you just acknowledge that to him today. This is just you and God here. Now someone here may not have that relationship with Jesus and today you’ve felt him tugging at your heart, you’ve been hurt, and you’re guarded, I know. Jesus is here and wants set things right in your life.
If you’ll say Pastor, I want Jesus to be my Lord and savior. Remember, it’s just you and God here. Will you pray with me today, We’ll pray here as a family and you can repeat after me.
Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. I ask you today for your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins and on that 3rd day, you rose from the dead. I ask you to come into my heart today. I trust and follow you as my Lord and savior. Guide me and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name Amen.
“‘“The Lord bless you
Numbers 6:24-26
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’