Five Things About Faith in Action from Romans 10

Five Things About Faith in Action from Romans 10

We can learn a lot from simply reading the Bible; in it we can see faith in action. Romans 10 tells us the story of how we can believe God. Our faith then directs how we live. Here are Five Things About Faith in Action that I Learned from Romans 10.

One: 3  For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:3-4

The difference between living by faith and living by law (law being what we do based on what we think) is who we trust. Do I trust God enough to follow and rely on Him? Or do I want to do it for myself? It is very tempting to try to earn our salvation based on what we do. This is the opposite of faith and will lead us nowhere. Faith in action is believing—trusting even when we cannot see a way—that Jesus alone did what He did for us. It is saying that Jesus is our salvation and living in a way that reflects that.

Two: 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; Romans 10:8-9

This sounds like “all I have to do is say ‘Jesus is Lord’” and all will be well. That is not what this says. The words that come out of our mouth must mirror what we think “in your heart”. In other words, whatever we say must reflect what we really are in Jesus. Our words must come from a heart that allows Jesus to change. Unless we allow Jesus to work this change in us our words are empty air.

Three: 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 disappointed.” Romans 10:10-11

Now it becomes clear that our words should reflect our heart. What does Paul mean by “heart”? It is our thoughts, feelings, and reactions. For example, when we get upset, we react based on who we really are. We don’t have time to hide our hearts behind a wall or words we don’t mean. That is when we must look at ourselves and pray for forgiveness and healing. God will answer a prayer for forgiveness (He always does). Then our hearts change, and we become righteous.

Four: 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 “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13

These two verses proclaim that the gospel is for all people. It reflects what God spoke about in the Old Testament: Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, Genesis 12:3, Isaiah 49:6, Zechariah 2:11. But God goes even further when it says, “there is no distinction”. God does not play favorites; His gospel is preached to all and for all.

Five: 32  16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17  So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:16-17

Just as the gospel is preached to all mankind, we are all expected to answer. Nobody can ignore the call of the gospel. We will all give an answer; ignoring the call is a “no”. This message is preserved and preached in the Bible-which makes it a very important book.

This is not an in-depth study of Romans 10, but it is what I learned about faith in action from reading it.  We must believe what Jesus tells us, that is, we MUST trust Jesus and what He has done. A response is required of all people. If we do respond, we are changed. And that is good news!