Romans 10: 5-11
5For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness.
6But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?’ (that is, to bring Christ down),
7or ‘WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).”
8But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”–that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,
9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
11For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”
Paul continues his explanation of righteousness by faith, not works. I know, I see it too: “if we confess that we believe, is that not an action?” Sure, but think of this, if you cannot confess, does that mean you cannot be saved? Think of all the people in this world who cannot speak. Remember, it’s not about WHAT you do, it’s about WHY you do it (http://tinyurl.com/2cgzyvv).
My pastor once told me that God is not subject to loopholes or technicalities. I wholeheartedly believe that and I think you should too. If God is omnipotent and sovereign, there isn’t anything that can slip by him. You see, it’s similar to baptism. You aren’t saved by getting dunked in water while someone prays over you. No. Anyone could do that. It’s about your heart condition that drives you to do it. You see, it’s about faith and what you believe. If you truly believe Christ is your Savior, then you will have no problem proclaiming it. If you truly are in a state of repentance, you will get baptized. It’s just how the Spirit works!
I also love how Paul uses the old scriptures, the basis of Jewish law and where most others get their religious basis for “works righteousness” to prove God’s righteousness is about faith and belief, not works. So, the very books that everyone subscribes to for their righteousness tells them, and they ignore it. (http://tinyurl.com/2e9qmfn). We get so caught up in our own righteousness that we ignore God’s righteousness.
What do you believe?
