Confessed, Believed, Transformed: What It Really Means To Follow Jesus - Romans 10:9 Series

Confessed, Believed, Transformed: What It Really Means to Follow Jesus - Romans 10:9

Introduction: Words That Change Eternity

Church, there are some sentences that change everything.

A wedding vow.

A doctor’s diagnosis.

A judge’s verdict.

And then there is Romans 10:9—a sentence spoken by the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that has echoed through history, shaken kingdoms, rescued sinners, and birthed disciples.

In an age of hashtags without holiness, opinions without convictions, and faith reduced to a lifestyle accessory, Paul confronts us with a Gospel that demands the whole heart, the whole mouth, and the whole life.

Discipleship begins here—not with church attendance, not with moral improvement, but with confession and belief centred on Jesus Christ as Lord.

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, NLT)

This is not a slogan.

This is not religious poetry.

This is a divine promise.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome—both Jews and Gentiles—wrestling with a critical question:

How is a person made right with God?

Many Jewish believers trusted in the Law, heritage, and works. Paul dismantles that confidence and declares:

“For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.”

(Romans 10:4, NLT)

Romans 10 is a rescue chapter. Paul explains that salvation is not earned, not inherited, and not achieved—it is received through faith in Jesus Christ.

Point 1: “Jesus Is Lord” — The Confession of Discipleship

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord…”

(Romans 10:9a, NLT)

The Greek word for Lord is Kyrios.

In the Roman world, Kyrios was a title reserved for Caesar.

To say “Jesus is Lord” was not merely spiritual—it was political, dangerous, and costly.

Paul is saying:

Jesus is not an adviser.

Jesus is not an accessory.

Jesus is not a personal assistant.

Jesus is King.

Philippians 2:9–11 (NLT): “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord…”

Confession is not a magic formula.

It is a public allegiance.

Discipleship begins when Jesus moves from Saviour to Sovereign.

Tim Keller: “If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.”

This cuts through casual Christianity. Keller reminds us that partial surrender is not surrender at all. Discipleship demands that Jesus governs every compartment of life—career, relationships, finances, sexuality, and future.

Imagine standing in a courtroom and declaring allegiance to a rival king while standing under the rule of Caesar. That is what early Christians did. And many paid with their lives.

Church, we whisper “Jesus is Lord”—they shouted it while facing lions.

Today, declaring Jesus as Lord may cost you:

Cultural approval

Professional advancement

Online popularity

But discipleship has always been costly—and eternally worth it.

Point 2: “Believe in Your Heart” — The Faith That Saves

“…and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead…”

(Romans 10:9b, NLT)

The Greek word pisteuo (believe) means:

To trust

To rely upon

To stake your life on

The heart (kardia) in Jewish thought was the centre of:

Will

Intellect

Desire

This is not head knowledge—it is heart-level trust.

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NLT): “Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day…”

Theological Truth - The resurrection is not optional.

Without it:

The cross is a tragedy

Faith is empty

Hope is an illusion

But because Jesus rose, sin is defeated, death is conquered, and disciples are empowered.

John Piper: “The resurrection of Jesus is the hinge of history.”

Piper is right. Everything swings on this truth. If Jesus is risen, then His claims are true, His Lordship is legitimate, and His call to follow Him is urgent.

Faith is not like sitting in a chair admiring its craftsmanship. Faith is sitting down. Trusting the resurrection means you put the full weight of your eternity on Jesus Christ.

In an age obsessed with proof, God calls us to faith grounded in history, not blind optimism. The empty tomb still speaks.

Point 3: “You Will Be Saved” — The Promise of the Gospel

“…you will be saved.”

(Romans 10:9c, NLT)

Ephesians 2:8–9 (NLT): “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”

Theological Depth - Saved from:

Sin’s penalty

Sin’s power

Sin’s eternal presence

Salvation is:

Immediate in justification

Ongoing in sanctification

Complete in glorification

Max Lucado: “Grace is God’s best idea.”

Lucado captures the wonder of salvation. We did not invent grace—God did. And discipleship flows not from guilt, but from gratitude.