Romans Chapter 10
Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote down these words knowing that they would be read by the church at large not just the church in Italy. He wanted people to know that Christ had died and rose again for all people, not just the Jews. The gospel message was for anyone who hears it and believes and confesses with his or her mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord. While the Jews had depended on their own righteousness in their efforts to keep the law, Jesus had provided righteousness through faith in His great mercy.
Let's Reflect
1. If the gospel message is meant for all people, how will they hear about the truth of the gospel? See verses 14-15.
2. Paul begins the chapter expressing his heart’s desire – that they would be saved. This refers back to his thoughts in chapter 9 that he desires that his Jewish brethren would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. What did Paul say that they needed to understand what Christ had ended for them?
3. In the Old Testament the keeping of the law was the basis of a relationship with God. By obeying the law, the Jew showed their faith in God. It was a tool that showed the people God’s standard of holiness. The law was not abolished by any means, but now access to a relationship with the Father has been made possible through His perfect Son’s sacrifice. It is true that a person who keeps the whole law (and never sins once) would obtain eternal life, but that is an impossibility. There is only one man who has never sinned, and that man is whom?
4. Salvation does not require super-human works such as ascending to heaven to “get Jesus,” nor does it require humans to go down into the abyss to raise up Jesus from the dead. God already took care of all of that for us. What is required is faith in what God has done. Where does that faith show up? See verse 8.
5. According to verse 10 what happens to our soul when we place our faith in Jesus?
6. What is essential for lost people to receive salvation? See verse 17.
7. What is it that a person is believing in according to verse 9?
8. Who received the gospel message first?
9. What is true of the Gentiles who accepted the gospel? See verse 20. There are people all over this world who do not even know they need to hear the gospel message!
Devotionals
