Romans 10:5-13

⁵ “For Moses writes of the righteousness that is based on the Law, that the person who performs them will live by them. ⁶ But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will go up into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), ⁷ or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” ⁸ But 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, ⁹ that 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; ¹⁰ for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. ¹¹ For the Scripture says, “Whoever 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, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; ¹³ for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Verse 5: Here, Paul refers to a statement made by Moses in Leviticus 18:5, which emphasizes the requirement of perfect obedience to the law in order to obtain righteousness and life. This verse highlights the standard set by the law, which demands flawless adherence to its commands for one to be considered righteous.

Verse 6: Paul contrasts the righteousness that is based on the law with the righteousness that comes through faith. He quotes from Deuteronomy 30:12, emphasizing that the righteousness of faith does not require any human effort to bring Christ down from heaven. It is not about striving to attain righteousness through our own works or efforts.

Verse 7: Continuing his contrast, Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 30:13, highlighting that the righteousness of faith does not require any human effort to bring Christ up from the dead. It is not about trying to achieve righteousness through our own actions or accomplishments.

Verse 8: Paul emphasizes that the message of faith is accessible and readily available. It is not a distant or unattainable concept. The word of faith is near, residing in our mouths and hearts. This refers to the proclamation of the gospel, the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Verse 9: Here, Paul presents the simple yet profound truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Confessing with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised him from the dead is the basis of our salvation. It is not about following a set of rules or performing certain rituals, but about placing our trust and faith in the finished work of Christ.

Verse 10: Paul emphasizes the role of the heart in believing and being justified before God. It is through genuine faith in our hearts that we are declared righteous and justified. Additionally, openly professing our faith with our mouths is an outward expression of our inward belief, leading to salvation.

Verse 11: Paul quotes from Isaiah 28:16 to affirm the assurance and security that comes with faith in Christ. Believing in him guarantees that we will never be put to shame. Our faith in Christ secures our standing before God, free from any condemnation or disgrace.

Verse 12: Paul emphasizes the inclusive nature of salvation through faith in Christ. There is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles when it comes to the offer of salvation. The same Lord, Jesus Christ, is the Lord of all and generously blesses all who call upon him in faith.

Verse 13: Paul concludes this passage by quoting from Joel 2:32, affirming the universal promise of salvation. Anyone, regardless of their background or ethnicity, who calls upon the name of the Lord in faith will be saved. This verse underscores the all-inclusive nature of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is not limited to a select few, but available to all who place their trust in him.

Paul contrasts the righteousness that comes through the law with the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. He emphasizes that salvation is not achieved through human effort or works, but through faith in Jesus as Lord and belief in His resurrection. It is a matter of the heart, not just outward actions or rituals. The message of faith is accessible and available to all, and anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord, Jew or Gentile, will experience the assurance of salvation.